[lifechanges]

We are coming up on our 6 month review court date. We have already been told that nothing will be changed and that we will for sure be extended an additional 6 months. We are doing kinship care for my niece (6) and nephew (3). I was wondering if we can expect anything more to happen or what we should expect at all? We were also told we do not have to go...should we go though? Any input from anyone who has BTDT would be great!

Also, has anyone had experience with children going back before the 12 month review? It's almost been made to seem like the kids can only go back at review time, but can their parents request to go to court to get them back in between reviews? Thanks again, I feel we have been left in the dark by the whole system.

[rmsept81]

Wot varies by area so you might want to check your local DCFS or agency handbook about what can and cannot happen at court. Usually, you'll have an idea that return home is going to happen by increase in visits, unsupervised visits, overnights etc. If none of that is going on then I would not be too concerned.

I would definately go to court. 1) you'll get a feel for what is being reported to the judge 2) you may be asked to supplement information 3) you may find things out that the case worker can't tell you for instance we didn't know about a domestic violence situation and lack of employment.

You'll also hear what the next requirements are going to be. With our fks we came into the case just after the 6 month hearing. Goal at that time was return home in 6 months. At that hearing it was return home in 6 months. At that hearing it was return home in 12 months. I'm definately glad we were there to hear what the judge said and her reasons behind it.
I was also able to ask the judge to meet the kids and provide her with pictures. This allowed them to be more than just a name.

[HDMom]

I totally understand your remark about being left in the dark. At our 6 month review, there were four attorneys, one for the County, one for each bio parent and one for FD. I had submitted a caregiver's report in the time frames required, but apparently no one in the court had received it. @@ Fortunately, I had made copies so at least the judge was able to scan through it.

Both parents made unrealistic requests, which were not allowed. The judge just extended things out another six months.

I would recommend going if you can, but don't take the kids. It can't hurt for you to be present and I think the "system" is a little pressured (in a good way) by knowing someone is paying attention and personally looking out for the kids.

[lifechanges]

Thanks for the info. It definitely sounds like we should go which is very interesting because I feel as if the social worker is really pushing the fact that we do not have to go...hmmm!

As for caregiver reports or handbooks we definitely have not been provided this or asked for these items? We are in Cali. maybe the process is different? Or maybe it is because we are doing kinship, it seems like we definitely don't go through the same process or have the same guidance as regular FP's in the area.

[wendy_bird23]

I would go. You may or may not learn anything. Cases are often rushed through and are not really reviewed in any detail despite it officially being a "review". Either way it's good to know what the judge is hearing and what everyone's opinions are (CW, CASA /GAL, birth Parents attorney's, etc.) and who is speaking out about what. I'd want to be there to get an accurate and complete picture of how it went as I've found my CW is rarely forthcoming with any details. However, be prepared to get much less info than you had hoped for. I was shocked by the lack of detail given to the judge at our last review. But I'm still glad I went, even though I learned very little about the case.

[alys1]

Definitely go. The judge will see this as a positive, that you're dedicated to the children. You'll learn something, possibly a great deal. You should be treated with the courtesy to be told it's in your and the children's best interest for you to go.

[schristensen13]

I would go but don't "expect" anything going in. We always got a copy of the court report before reviews to look over. Not sure if Kinship care is different. USUALLY the judge will go with the CPS recommendation this early in the game...but the judge can do whatever he/she wants (hence the warning not to expect anything). The CPS worker might just simply be trying to save you time/money knowing that a six month review is usually a slam dunk.
I always went to court if I could get off of work, even though it usually entailed waiting in the hallway (with bios and workers) for a few hours for 3 min inside with the judge. It was nice to just feel more in the loop and represent our family as a caring and involved in the kids' future.

Good luck!

[MomInCorazon]

Here bios can only regain custody at a court hearing but DCF can send kids home sooner. My FFKs (kinship) went home at 7 months when mom had met the "minimal" requirements of her plan but mom did not regain custody until the next scheduled hearing which was at 10 months post-removal.