[mamala]

Another out-of-state question because we are actually qualified to intervene on our ffd's case based on "substantial past contact" (I should note here how much I LOVE TX for spelling a lot of that out).

Our lawyer down there told us that DFPS assigned an attorney to our ffd and thus, we wouldn't have to pay for one. I only got to speak to her for a minute so I couldn't ask more about this (and now everything's closed until Monday).

Don't ALL kids in foster care in TX have an attorney? Here in NJ, they do. The GALs are paid attorneys that represent the kids (we don't have CASAs everywhere and places that have them usually use them on kids that have been TPR'd but still not adopted. )

[nurselorie]

mamala...we just rec'd our first placement, and her CASA worker came out today and said that she will have her own lawyer thru CPS, even though at 6 mos, she can't speak for herself....i believe they all have a lawyer.

[lazshay]

Yes, they all have attorneys, some better than others of course. Realize this is the childs attorney, not yours. What they want for the child may be very different from what you want. Luckily our daughters attorney supported us, but we had another attorney for another set of kids that thought the kids should go home no matter what. If your at all at odds with CPS or the other attorney, I'd get my own attorney.

[CaddoRose]

Here in Texas, the court appoints an attorney for the child; the attorney ad liteum. The court also appoints a CASA or GAL. CASA is the organization from which the Gaurdian ad Liteum is appointed. CPS will also have their own attorney working on their side of the case.

Because you can intervene based on past contact, I would get an attorney to make sure your rights are represented in the case. No one will do this for you except your attorney. The others represent the child and while they might think being with you is what is best, it is still good insurance to have your own legal representation.

[mamala]

We did hire our own attorney and so far, we're very pleased with her candor and realism about what's going on.

Thanks all. Of course, her cw and I just spoke and she did tell me about the attorney and the CASA/GAL (in hypothetical "this is what happens to CHILDREN in care" vs. specifically about our ffd).

I'm very nervous. But I'm flying down for the hearing.

I'm grateful for this board for input.