Permanency Hearing- What to expect?

sisibelle

Hello,

I need advice from fellow foster parents in regards to an upcoming permanency hearing for our 4 month old foster daughter. I am not sure exactly what to expect. This case has been on the fast forward track from day one and we are in hopes to adopt. If you have been through this part of the process please advise.

 Thanks- 

mommytoconnor

Hi, I adopted my son last year.  He was placed with me at 4 months old thru foster care.  Permanency hearings can be very frustrating.  I think it may vary form state to state.  My first hearing was very nerve wracking.  I was encouraged to attend by the childs caseworker since I knew the current state of the child.  I was asked by the judge how the child was doing and things of that sort.  The child's advocate is the guardian ad litum and this person speaks on behalf of the child.  They spoke as to what is best for the child and that is to proceed with termination of parental rights.  The lawyer for the parents will also be there and argue their side.  In my case, the parents didn't show and have never seen child nor responded to any mail,phone calls, etc made to them from CPS, lawyer, etc.  So my case turned into an abandonment case after the child was in foster care for 6 months.  It took another 6 months to be able to adopt my son.  I went to court 3 times and they kept allowing extensions to the mothers lawyer.  This was the most frustrating part of the whole thing.  Once the case went to adoption it took about 2 months to finalize.  Best thing I ever did.  My son is my everything and I walk thru fire for him.  It's an amazing journey to take and I wish you all the best. 

sisibelle

Thank you for your response! We have had my foster daughter since she was 10 days old and picked her up from the hospital. They are fast tracking the case and I just needed some clarification because sometimes the case workers do not tell you all the facts, since they are so numb to some of the proceedings. Our hearing is at the end of the month and we look forward to what's ahead. Like you, our little one means everything to us and we want to make sure she is safe and loved. Thanks again!