[Kvas9]

Would anyone be able to share their experiences with how reunification works after a parent has been incarcerated?

Our situation is such that incarceration was 15 months and mom is now out and just starting case plan. Child was placed in foster care by mom - no hx of abuse.

My main concern is that there isn't much time for mom to show that stability can be maintained and that probation will not be violated after child returns. Not sure how this is considered by a judge, though.

Thanks in advance for sharing with us!

[BAC4343]

I have had two such placements. As long as the parent is out and making any reasonable effort such as showing up for some of the visit, they usually will keep the goal as RU. In one of our cases after the parent was released from 7 months of jail, they just had to do the program for a month and the kids were to go back. The kids went right back into care when the parent got arrested again, but that has been the continuous story of my foster care experience.

Usually it has to be a major violation of probation for them to step in anyway. If the parent is driving without a license, or went out of the county, or out drinking I have found they usually ignore such things unless they commit a large crime along with it such as dealing drugs or robbery. As with everything it really varies by where you are located.

I don't really think that they look at the future when considering whether a child goes back. They just look at the parent's current situation and what they are doing now.

[skc515]

It also depends on the age of the child. Say, if you have a younger child, and parent has been incarcerated for the majority of the child's life.

If the mom has a bond with the child, and doing what she is supposed to be doing, she may ask for and receive an extension.

[Kvas9]

Thank you so much for your responses. I have not yet met anyone in a similar situation so it helps to know what others have experienced.

Our little guy is 4 years, 2 months old and he came into care when he was 2 years, 10 months. We visited his mom every week in jail (non-contact visits) so he has maintained his bond with her as best as possible.

My biggest concern is what you mentioned...her getting arrested again and him having to come back into care.

We shall see!