[WorkingOnAFullHouse]

Short intro then a quick question. I have a set of twin girls that I have had for 13 months now. The paternal grandparents want custody of them but the grandfather is on central registry for abusing his daughter years ago and in 2005 there was an incident report for domestic violence. DSS is saying they are going to tell the courts to keep the girls with us because of the grandparents background. We have been to 2 review board meetings and they both came back saying TPR/adoption. BTW, it is a severe abuse case and the mom was arrested and the dad died in a car wreck less than a month ago (so they are going to pull the sympathy card)

We are going to court Wed. (halloween) for the grandparents to state their case. Whats the chances of us losing our girls? Does the courts "normally" do what DSS suggests? Has anyone had a situation like this? What happened?

Im having sleepless nights and worrying all the time. We are the only parents these girls know. (we got them at 6 wks old)

[vegaschristina]

You never really know what the courts will decided. I've seen really great decisions and really bad ones. Keep in mind, the girls are bonded to you and the grandpa's got issues, so chances are in your favor.

Wish I could tell you what you wanted to hear. Keep us posted and I'll keep you in my prayers.

[vesw01]

I wish I could tell you that it would be all ok, but the court can do anything they want to do. I would think that normally the judge does what DCFS suggests, but at the last court hearing I was at, DCFS requested (along with everyone else) reasonable efforts and the judge said no. They tried to overturn it a month later and the judge still said no. Honestly, the judge did the right thing.

I try to have faith in the judges. Keep the faith. Let us know what happens, we will be praying for you.

[Kat-L]

Originally Posted by WorkingOnAFullHouse

We are going to court Wed. (halloween) for the grandparents to state their case. Whats the chances of us losing our girls? Does the courts "normally" do what DSS suggests? Has anyone had a situation like this? What happened?

Im having sleepless nights and worrying all the time. We are the only parents these girls know. (we got them at 6 wks old)

I'll be praying that the judge makes a wise decision and does what is truly in the best interests of the girls. A grandparent has every right to state their case-but I can't imagine a judge giving a child to a sex offender.

[hkolln]

I can't imagine a Judge giving the child to a sex offender either. They should have to pass a background check too. Has that been done?

All in all most Judges do go with what DCF decides. But they also do have the power to change that decision too. I'm hoping you get a Judge that can see what is in the best interest of the kids.

Do the girls have a GAL? Sometimes they can sway a Judge also. I know in our case it ended up being decided by DCF and the CASA worker on where our niece would end up. But in our case we were licensed foster parents too. Her Judge just signed off on the placement.

[WorkingOnAFullHouse]

They did a background check and found out the grandfather is on central registry for abusing his daughter and there has been some incedent reports for domestic violence.

Tomorrow DSS, GAL and the foster review board is going to suggest the girls stay put with us. I am just so worried the judge will go against that and send them with the grandparents...they have a good lawyer.

I talked to the CW today and she reassured me they are not going anywhere but the judge could do anything. She said surely they will see the girls are getting the care they need so why move them. I feel the same way. Sooo..just one more sleepless night and it will all be over.

[Kat-L]

Originally Posted by WorkingOnAFullHouse

They did a background check and found out the grandfather is on central registry for abusing his daughter and there has been some incedent reports for domestic violence.

Tomorrow DSS, GAL and the foster review board is going to suggest the girls stay put with us. I am just so worried the judge will go against that and send them with the grandparents...they have a good lawyer.

I talked to the CW today and she reassured me they are not going anywhere but the judge could do anything. She said surely they will see the girls are getting the care they need so why move them. I feel the same way. Sooo..just one more sleepless night and it will all be over.

No judge in his right mind will give a child to a man who sexually abused his child. Maybe if it was an incident where it was consentual but he was 21 and the girl was 17 and it happened 35 years ago. But sexual abuse in his own home against his own child? I can't imagine this grandparent getting custody regardless of how good his lawyer is.

Look on the bright side. He's shelling out major bucks on a lawyer for a case he can't win. Not only is he a sex offender-he isn't too bright, either.

ps: If his lawyer was so good, she would have told him he had a losing case and he wouldn't be petitioning the court. So don't believe the whole "good lawyer" thing. The lawyer isn't "good", just greedy.

[ranoutofnames]

I'm hoping we'll get a positive report from court today.

Just a quick question... I noticed in the original posting it states "Central Registry" but then some other posters were stating "sexual abuse".... so I wasn't sure, maybe I missed another posting.

In my state we have a central registry on child abuse that is all abuse, not just sexual. Do you know what the offense entailed against the daughter?

My best wishes and I'll be thinking of you and your children today.

[hkolln]

Another thing I'm curious about is how long ago was the abuse and what type of abuse? I hear people typing "sexual abuse" but nobody did say what type of abuse you are speaking of and how long ago it was documented. If it's been say 25 yrs ago then it may not be as bad as if it's within the past 10 yrs.

Another thing...an incident report is not a conviction. Isn't that just like a police report? You are innocent until proven guilty and if he wasn't convicted or charged how can they use that against him? I'm not saying it's right...I'm just questioning it.

[WorkingOnAFullHouse]

It was physical abuse several years ago but has had incident reports of police going to the house for domestic violence in 2005. They are in court right now as we speak and the cw said it should be over by 12. So Im just sitting here nervously waiting for the phone call.

[ranoutofnames]

My goodness... I could just imagine you are a nervous wreck.

My hugs and prayers that today is a "treat" and not a horrible "trick".

[timleenettesue]

{{{{HUGS}}}}} Praying all went well!! Keep us updated!

[WorkingOnAFullHouse]

We won! Yiippeee! The CW called and told us we won and went ahead and asked for tpr/adoption so we have a court date in Feb 2008. We are finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel....thanks for all the responses and support.

[ArvadaFamily]

We have been watching this thread wondering and hoping for your family.. That is just GREAT news!!!!!! Even we will sleep better tonight! Congrads........!!!

[AmahMama]

A wonderful trick or treat gift!!! Your cw must've been the good witch (or good fairy) for you today!!! Horray!