[shnoogiepoo]

I am currently a non licensed non relative foster mom of two wonderful children. I have had them for 9 months now, since the baby was 3 months old and the older child was 18months. The parents have been very sporatic on visitation and not following court requirements, however I fear that CPS with the history I have seen may give the kids back anyways. It should be noted that the baby almost died of dehydration/malnourishment which is why they were taken away. The baby, now 1, ONLY knows me as Mom and the parents have visisted so little that the older child recognizes them but is not friendly with them and also calls me mom.
I;m wanting to know if there are any attornies out there or any other foster parents that have been able to stop CPS from giving the kids back. Is there some type of injunction that can be filed if they try and come get the kids to give them back? do I have any recourse to protect the kids if CPS (in my opinion) fails to protect them.???
I am the alternate plan if the parents rights are terminated and quite honestly with emotions aside I think that's what should happen for the welfare of the children.

HELP~!

[mom2GRLC]

Well, I was in a similiar position almost a year and a half ago.

I had had my foster daughter for 1 1/2 years and the day was getting closer when our next court hearing would be. There were MANY concerns I had but DHS wasn't interested in any of them and didn't even follow up on some major safety concerns I was noticing. They had it set in their mind that she was going home and they were going to close her case out and that was it.

Well, the court day came and I had come to terms with it, knowing that GOD was in control and would guide the judge to make the best decision even if it was not what I felt was best I just put all my trust in him and prayed that i would be OK with what ever happened and more importantly that my little girl would be kept safe and have a good, happy life. Well, a last minute drug test turned the whole case around moments before court and a few days later her bmom signed over her rights and at the next court the bfather did as well. Now she is legally MINE....forever.

Although I loved MY daughter and in every way felt like she was MINE....I knew i had no legal standing....the only one I could turn to and put my trust in was GOD..and he came through....in such a small...but life changing "pee test" =0).

You might want to check with a lawyer and see what your options are....but more importantly if you believe in a higher power....PRAY!!! It worked for me!!!!