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Adoption
Fost / Adopt Court update [LONG]
Lil J has been with us for over 14 months now. Court has been dragging on for one reason or another.
We had court last week and it was going to be a "Fact Finding" trial. Basically, the state (DYFS) has to prove that they were justified in removing the child.
They had many witnesses to testify - the police officer involved in the removal, caseworkers, etc. It really is just about the time up until he was removed, not the last 14 months.
So, court happens and for the first time, mom showed up in court. Well, not really showed up - but was "escorted" if you know what I mean.
Anyway - she STIPULATED! For those in the non fost fost/adopt world - basically when someone stipulates, they are not contesting the facts that lead to him being removed. In a criminal case, it would be equal to pleading guilty.
this is HUGE for our case. She agreed to everything, and those things, according to DYFS, constitute neglect and abuse.
Her name goes into a state register, and she will never be able to work with children in the future - since she basically agreed that she put her child into harm's way, in a manner that is abuse.
The request to term rights was addressed in court as well, and our attorney went over everything that has gone on the last 14 months.
Seriously - it was the best court hearing yet.
We still have a LONG time before rights are terminated, since our court system is really back-logged. And, I think it will be at least another 9 months at a min. But, it looks like it is only possible that it goes in one direction. Everyone thinks this since Mom is not doing anything to work her plan.
Guess we just have to take it one day at a time.
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Re: Fost / Adopt Court update [LONG]
I can't tell you how much my heart just sung for you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
And I have never seen little J's face, but I feel like I can just imagine the huge grin on his face as he gets closer to being yours forever!!!!!!!!!!!!
So happy for you!!
That is great news for you, Little J, and your family.
And now I know why I haven't heard from you this week
Keep us posted!
They just now had a fact-finding trial about whether the removal was justified? Wow. They hold adjudication hearings here within 60 days of a child entering care (and I thought that was required by federal law).
At any rate, it sounds like today turned out really well -- and I'll definitely keep my fingers crossed that things will continue to move forward for you and Lil J.
The fact finding has been scheduled 5 times already!!!!
It was cancelled or postponed several times, then mom would throw something out there, then there were issues with witnesses, etc
Trust me, we were pissed that it essentially just happened now - he has been with us for so long - what would happen if the judge decided it was NOT justified
The request to terminate rights was actually submitted BEFORE the fact finding. Bizarre!
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That's great news for you and your family! So glad to hear is! (I like to lurd here from time to time:) )