[KelleyF]

I was finally able to get a hold of my FS's GAL. He was less than helpful. When I voiced my concerns about doing overnights and pushing reunification so quickly after the birthmom got out of an institution, he seemed like he could have cared less. Every answer he gave me sounded like he was reading it from a cue card. He started to lecture me about how a case plan works, blah blah. I told him he's totally misunderstanding what I'm saying. I said I'll all for case plans and reunification, but this woman has a long history of mental illness and drug abuse. Two weeks before the court date the CW told me it was going to be a very long road for her if she was ever to get her son back, and right after court she called me talking about doing overnights and "pushing this thing through at a very fast pace".
I thought the GAL was actually going to listen to what I had to say but he just kept talking about "how the system works", uh, like I don't know how it works! This is very frustrating because it's apparent he just wants this case over with. I don't know where to turn. I thought the GAL was supposed to be looking out for the child's best interest? Or is he just an attorney that will side with whatever DCYF wants.

[ranoutofnames]

In my experience, in my area, the GAL just sides with the agency or DA. They rarely, if ever, take a different opinion.

I've read other posts where the GAL actually seems to care... wish you and I had some of those GAL's.

[JSAUNTIE]

I had our Gal tell me just because BIL S/A his 5 yr old step son doesnt mean he will do it to the baby. But then after hearing more details at a couple meetings he was the only one to stand up in court and ask the judge to consider TPR. I dont know how to help do you have a CASA they were our biggest help.

[tvs4]

Don't you hate it when experineced foster parents are treated like morons. If you were a moron they shouldn't have let you foster (and keep fostering) kids... so clearly you are not a moron and the GAL should have been better able to listen to your concerns. sometimes I think GALs act like they are the only professionals around. My experience with GALs isn't great. They treat everyone like they are simply too slow to understand "complicated" legal or social systems.

I'm sorry you were treated this way. I'm sorry the GAL isn't that interested in what is really going on. Is there anyone "higher" on the SW/CW food chain like a supervisor you can voice your concerns to. I would again try to keep it factual and as non-emotional as possible but it does seem odd that one week a parent can't posssibly parent and the next week is doing over nights? Maybe she has a REALLY good lawyer the GAL doesn't want to go up against?

I would start with saying something to the supervisors like "I've been a foster parent for X years and have supported X reunifications. I've never seen a plan go like this and I am concerned..." if you have some of their own printed text from the training classes on "how we're a team" stuff I'd use that against them too as a reason for why, as a member of the team, they should at least hear you out.

Maybe send it in writing certified mail to the GAL and the SW or supervisors?

Just an idea.

[Yash]

I agree with tvs4, go up the chain of commmand, write your congressman or representative if necessary. You are your child's only voice so use it!

I'm so sorry your child's GAL wasn't more helpful and concerned.

I've talked to both my daughters' lawyers and they always had the girls' best interest at heart. I thought all of them were like that.

[KelleyF]

Originally Posted by JSAUNTIE

I dont know how to help do you have a CASA they were our biggest help.

I called the CASA office and they told me they can't get involved because the birthmom was in foster care as a child and it would be a conflict of the office, since they represented the mom as a child. I don't understand why he can't have his own CASA worker since it is a separate incident. CASA was very helpful when I had my first two placements.

[xxsurroundedbyxy]

The birthmom is no longer a foster child and therefore should no longer be a CASA client. I would not take no for an answer. Keep calling until someone more professional takes your call.
Kim

[hkolln]

I say you need a CASA also! Our nieces CASA is awesome....without her we wouldn't be where we are today which is close to finalizing her adoption. She went to bat for us and took a side against DCF....which I was worried she would side with DCF. I still speak to her via email and phone and we're visiting with her when we return to Idaho in a couple of weeks to visit.

Don't take NO for an answer....call someone else...go up the chain if you have to.

[mrsred]

Originally Posted by KelleyF

I thought the GAL was actually going to listen to what I had to say but he just kept talking about "how the system works", uh, like I don't know how it works!

There in lies the problem. The system doesn't work!

[RobinKay]

Originally Posted by KelleyF

I was finally able to get a hold of my FS's GAL. He was less than helpful. When I voiced my concerns about doing overnights and pushing reunification so quickly after the birthmom got out of an institution, he seemed like he could have cared less. Every answer he gave me sounded like he was reading it from a cue card. He started to lecture me about how a case plan works, blah blah. I told him he's totally misunderstanding what I'm saying. I said I'll all for case plans and reunification, but this woman has a long history of mental illness and drug abuse. Two weeks before the court date the CW told me it was going to be a very long road for her if she was ever to get her son back, and right after court she called me talking about doing overnights and "pushing this thing through at a very fast pace".
I thought the GAL was actually going to listen to what I had to say but he just kept talking about "how the system works", uh, like I don't know how it works! This is very frustrating because it's apparent he just wants this case over with. I don't know where to turn. I thought the GAL was supposed to be looking out for the child's best interest? Or is he just an attorney that will side with whatever DCYF wants.

This person has a supervisor. If you won't get in trouble, try calling the GAL office. Also puut your concerns in writing and send to everyone involved. Document that phone call and any other calls you made.

God forbid something should happen--you will have done everything you can and tried to tell everyone involved in the case.

Will be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.