[Mama2Gia]

Just dropped Curly off for her visit and learned from the person transporting her that trial has been postponed. While we knew it was likely it still feels like such a blow. Apparently it was done by the defense attorney (for mom) because they have not yet completed their bonding evaluations. Well good luck doing that since CPS CAN'T complete theirs because dad won't show up. Did get wind though that he might have no showed due to being incarcerated again! I tried to look back to see when we got word of the trial dates because I know it ws a long time ago! How do the attorneys get to play that card?!? This child has been in care for over 2 years! Are you really holding our that your client is going to pull themselves together at the last minute because you stalled their trial??????? Mom is due to lose her Rental assistance in march and has not had a job in the 2 years fd has been in care. It is only going to get worse for her and not better so why are we doing this?
Apparently dad is considering a surrender but he has no chance of getting her back due to his mental health and significant criminal history, gang affiliations, and I am sure his bonding eval would support his TPR- if he ever bothered to show.

Mom is a different case. She is not a criminal. She is just not a good parent. She is not capable of keeping Curly safe. She is definately not capable of dealing with the significant issues that will arise in the future when it comes time to address the physical and emotional damage done by the SA, the transitions, and the general trauma of growing up unsure of your future. It is all so apparent in this bright beautiful child already. Makes me soooooo sick to think of how long it might be before permanence is achieved.

[Fostermom22]

I'm sorry for your delay. Attorney's due try to cover all of their bases, sometimes it is an advantage because it can take away something that could be used for an appeal basis.

The trial itself can surprise you also...I have one where Dad has not seen the kiddo since June 2010 and has been in prison since August 2010 yet the jury found that he MAY pull it together in the next 9 months so here I sit waiting yet again for the timeline.

Try to stay positive and keep the faith that everything happens for a reason!

[Daisy311]

Hugs to you. We are in a similar situation with our new kiddo. She's our first placement, and I guess this is a picture of things to come on this long and crazy road called fostering. Her case is in trial now and dad showed at the last minute. According to SW he has been completely absent for the 2 years this kiddo has been in care. Mom has not worked her plan either. Both are contesting TPR. I'd consider myself one of those people who support RU if possible. But come on...way to wait 2 years to do anything for this kiddo. Now you want to work your plan? Sad.

[Larue]

I totally understand that feeling when someone tells you the TPR trial was continued. We had multiple continuances, and each time it felt like a blow. I cried when the CW told me about the first continuance and she was surprised that I was so upset. What I came to realize is that this is a lengthy bureaucratic legal process, and the CW, GAL, and State attorney just don’t have the emotional investment we do. Hang in there!

[icehockey101]

It is really frustrating when TPR is continued. For some reason, I expected it the first time. So that time was not a shock... but times 2-5 really upset me. Mom's attorney said in the begining that she was going to try to get it continued until mom was out of prison just off the cuff... I was so frustrated that day. None of our continuances had much to do with her attorney either! Vent as much as you need, it helped me get through. Hopefully things will move quickly.

[Mama2Gia]

Apparently dad considering surrendering has prompted a mediation, which will hopefully be scheduled for one of the postponed trial dates. I don't think mom is going to do it but I guess they want to try.

I just don't see how the lawyers are not accountable for doing their jobs? Is there no such thing as due process? It isn't the 5th grade and you can't just claim you didn't do your homework!

I am just very bummed and very frustrated. I know we can handle it and if Curly was little like Chuy it wouldn't matter so much but I just want it to be over for her sake. I don't mind her visits with her mom (I actually think it is pretty cool that she gets to see her mom once a week) but it isn't fair she has to be in a car 3-4 hours EVERY Thursday. It isn't fair that she misses cool stuff at school because of visits. It isn't fair that she has a crazy long day if we go away on vacation and she has to do a make up where they just tack time onto her already 3 hour long visit with 3-4 hours of travel time.
I know you all know this stuff already. I know this is trivial compared to so many. It just doesn't feel trivial when I look at this little girl and know how much it hurts and how much better she deserves.