[kikibrando]

Recently, S's bio mother named a potential father. I know this man has been in jail. I decided to do a search in our local newspaper archives and came back with some distubring information.

This man has handgun violations, which were reduced due to plea bargains, but it happened nonetheless. One, he pointed a gun to another person's head. Another, shot at a couple. He's got assault after assault charge, dating back five years at least.

Currently, there's another assault charge and this will be going to court soon. All of this is public information, so I haven't violated any confidentiality.

S's social worker said if he's the father, DSS will do a homestudy. Is it possible they would approve him for custody of a 18 month old when he's got an open domestic assault case pending? Do they take this into consideration?

I have printed all this information out and depending on the outcome of the DNA test, plan on giving it to the case worker and S's attorney immediately.

[yanknrebel]

I would do JUST THAT!!!!! I would PRAY that they would not, but apparently parental rights go along way and NO ONE ever wants to trample on them. To HECK with the child's safety. I would definitely show them to the cw asap. Good luck.

yanknrebel

[hotspice58]

Absolutely!! Not all parents should have their kids; foster parents are proof of that.

[mommyto9]

I definitely would too. When I found out from a friend that our fs's bio. dad's was arrested. I immediately called both cw to let them know. They were glad I did, because by the time they called the jail he was already out on bail. If I hadn't called chances are they may have never found out.

[zebramom]

The other thing to remember is that a family member could petition for custody even if HE is not found a fit parent. They try to keep a family placement if possible. That's provided that a family member would step up.

It's all a crap shoot to be honest.

Our FD was placed with us when she was 5 days old. She just turned 4 and custody is still being determined. Dad is a multi-convicted drug dealer, and is currently in jail, but a relative has expressed interest in taking custody, so it's all up in the air.

[daisydog137]

Zebramom -

I'm shocked that you've had your daughter since she was 5 days old and nothing has been finalized. How in the world has she been kept in the system for so long? Aren't you considered kin after 6 months as far as finding a permanent placement?

I'm really curious because we've had our FD since she was 5 days old and she's 7 weeks old now. There hasn't been a hearing yet so I'm totally in the dark as far as what is going on. I definitely don't want this to drag on for 4 years!

At what point do they stop looking for relatives?

[Kate1129]

I'd say call and let them know what you found out. How scary!!!