[Jeni Ann]

we are currently Foster Parents to my husband's 15 month old nephew. He was placed from birth into Foster Care. His four older sisters are with my husbands mother. We had to go through Children Services to get the baby to be able and live with us. Recently the Judge gave permanant guardianship of the four girls to my husband's mother and is in the process of terminating his sister's rights to his nephew. The problem I am having is that my husband's sister is in a state prison for 15 more months, and is flipping out over the fact that her rights are being terminated. And she is taking it out on us. Is there anyone out there who is going through anything similar? My husband says that everything will work out and not to get upset, but I can't help but to worry. Please help

[lucyjoy]

Birthmom's in this situation are not going to quietly give up their rights. I know this is very frustrating to you, but its one of those things you can't do anything about. Focus on your child. When its time for mom to get out of prison, if she becomes a threat notify the parole officer and file a restraining order. It may be with time b-mom will come to accept this situation. Hopefully, she'll resolve her problems and it won't be an issue.

[bujd02]

Ohmigosh! Your situation sounds so much like mine! We have temporary custody of my husband's cousin's daughter. She is only 12 mo old! CPS became involved for abuse and neglect at 4 mo and she was removed at 9 mo when her mom OD'd. The mom was taken to the hospital and revived, and she is now trying to get custody back. However, she is in jail right now. Her sentencing hearing is tomorrow. I am so nervous! Misty, that's the little girl, has been with us only 6 weeks. The probation officer thinks the mom will probably go to jail for quite some time, but she plans to fight our effort to keep Misty from jail! How is that possible?! It is totally unfair to Misty to tie up her life while her mother sits in jail. It would be so much better for her if she could make a clean break with her mother and start life anew with us. We were told we could probably get permanent custody, but we think the state should terminate the mother's rights so Misty doesn't have a constant reminder of how much she suffered and so she doesn't have deal with the trauma of visiting a stranger. CPS agrees with us and I think they're going to try to terminate. The mother also has an 11 year old who lives with her grandparents due to abuse and neglect. The mother is also mentally ill and receives a disability check every month because of this. Misty has had many problems since we received custody of her. Health problems and emotional problems due to the trauma she suffered at the hands of her mother. I want so badly to protect this little girl, even if it is from her own mother. I'm sure you can relate. But lets both hang in there and fight for what we know is best for these kids and then I'm sure it will work out okay for both of us.