[GingerR]

Is anyone familiar with the protocol in this situation?

Our 14-month-old fd, who we are hoping and praying to adopt, has a 15-year-old father who was adjudicated back in August, and has done nothing as far as a caseplan. In fact, the bio mom told the cw that when she speaks to him, he doesn't even ask how our fd is doing. Very sad.

A couple of relatives were named in court as possible placements, but none of them checked out, either due to disinterest or criminal history.

Yesterday I was visited by our fd's new GAL. She thought it best that the subject of dad and TPR be pursued now rather than waiting until the 11th hour and possibly having a suitable relative step up. Then she asked me, "Do you know if the state can terminate rights on a minor, or do they have to voluntarily do so?"

I mean... huh??? She's asking me when this is her job to know these things and inform us, not the other way around?

Anyway, I can't imagine a 15-year-old who is completely uninterested having the power to prevent our fd's adoption for 3 years, until he's 18, but thought I would check here to see if anyone is familiar with this possibly messy legality. I've thoroughly searched google and can't find a thing.

BTW, I'm in Florida in case it varies from state to state.

Thanks for any info.

Ginger

[chrisandlainey]

i am in pennsylvania.. so i dont know that i will be that much help.
but, i have a similiar situation. my fk's bio mom is minor, and yes....she is being TPR'd.
like i said, i dont know about your state.. but i would think your case worker could inform of your state/county laws.

[GingerR]

Thank you for that info! I'm sure it's probably similar everywhere. Logically, I don't see how a judge is going to stand for non-compliance, no matter what the age of the parent.

We're just reaching that point where discussing TPR with both parents is going to happen, so we're nervous about legal loopholes.