[want2adopt3only]

I need advice
OK, long story. This bio familiy has:

D age 16 lives with bio dad

C age ? She was mentioned in court and is remembered by sibs, but bio mom claims she never existed and DA couldn't prove she ever did exist

A age 14 lives in TFC home, does not want to be with sibs, also pending allegations against her for SA of younger sibs

M age 12 was trafficked as a baby, sold for drug$$, handicapped, adopted by foster parents

M age 7 lived with us 9 months, when we discovered SA with younger sibling

B age 5 now with us for 18 months, does not want to live with M again
B age 3 with us for 12 months
B age 2 with us for 18 months


2 and 3 yo's are reportedly full sibs, all others are 1/2

TPR was in July. Seperation of sibs was granted, we proceeded to adopt 3, then discovered bios had appealed.

In the meantime, DHS couldn't find M an adoptive home, so decided to rescind seperation of sibs and try to put the 4 kids back together. We came with an attorney and got them to back off pending outcome of SA Treatment. But, we feel it's in best interests of kids to not live with M again. According to DHS, there is no proof that SA even occured since I didn't see it. So, I am over reacting and have no way to prove that anything ever happened. So, it comes down to my opinion.

I need help to keep my kids safe!

[jolean12]

I don't know if I really have a whole lot of advice but I wanted to offer my support and tell you that you should fight for the rights of your children. If you truely believe that it is not in there best interest to be with M than you need to fight for that. You are all that they have. Please keep us posted and good luck.

[want2adopt3only]

Thank you.

[monroeman]

Sounds like you are doing what you can. Unfortunately, foster parents don't have a lot of rights when it comes to their foster children.

Keep the Guardian Ad Litem on speed dial. He/She should be actively involved in this case and willing to help out to protect the best interests of these children.

Keep the attorney on speed dial. You don't have to adopt anyone you don't want to, or foster anyone you don't want to. (Two of the few rights you do have.) The State might respond by threatening to remove the children from the home and place them in another home that will take all four. I'd raise quite a ruckus if they try to pull this, even so far as to contact a state senator or representative. They might find another foster family willing to take four kids, but it would be tough to find an adoptive family for these kids. It is not fair to the three that are with you to put them through the changes and uncertainty, especially when they have an attachment to you. That should not be taken lightly.

You could, and possibly should offer to maintain a relationship between M and the three B's. This may help in your "negotiations."

Hope this helps.