[Cuervas]

I am a single foster dad in Missouri of a wonderful sibling group 1 year old and a 2 year old. They have been in my gaurdianship since December and it have become quite attached to me and I as well to them. Over the nine months they have been in my care I have seen a roller coaster of a case with the birthparents and frankly I think at least one of them has all but lost their chance at reunification.

These kids are half siblings, but they are strongly bonded to one another and their case worker greatly advises against separating them.

Within the last month or so, some grandparents of one of my kids have become involved with the case. Naturally they wish to have a relationship with their grandchild. I have been recently informed that both grandparents have hired attourneys and are fighting each other for custody of both kids.

The case worker acknowledges the the strong attachement the kids have with me and knows I could be a good perminent placement for the kids. Obviously the case worker must remain neutral and cannot directly adovocate for me.

What are my rights as a foster parent to advocate for the permenency of the children to stay in my home? If I have any chance of keeping/adopting these kids I would like to be smart about it, and without putting my foster license at risk with Missouri.

Ultimatly, I feel the future of these kids is in the hands of a higher power and I to also want what would be best for the kids.

Please advise.

[hkolln]

In some states you can get "defacto" status within 6 months of placement which gives you alittle bit more say in the childrens lives.

Have you spoken to the GAL or CASA? Get he/she involved and see what they feel.

Another option, have you spoken to these grandparents to let them know you are open (as open as you feel comfortable with) to them having a relationship with the kids if they stay with you? Either way reaching out to them could help you keep a relationship with the kids if they do get moved. And have the relatives passed a home study and been approved for placement or are they just fighting to fight? They may think they have the best interests of the child on their minds but in the end not realize what their fighting is doing to these kids!

[mamachell]

A few things:
- write to the judge directly, usually there is a special form or you can just write a letter stating your willingness to provide a permanent placement. You would also want to explain how well their doing in your care, etc.
- see what the CASA or GAL/AAL's position is and see if they agree that keeping the children in your care is in their best interest. (bonding, attachment, stability are all important to emphasize)
-definately find out about 3rd party/intervenor status and what are the rules to file it. I did it here in CA and you don't need an attorney.
- you could try to get legal counsel yourself but I'd wait to see what really is going to happen with the gp's. They may not be willing or able to follow through.