caseworker power

I am curious on how much power does the caseworker have in the placement of a child. Ours is telling us that she wont recommend the grandparents because of probation etc, we are next to be able to keep this baby that we have had for 8 months. How many people at the dept get a say in the situation? She assures me that the judge will most of the time go along with the dept recommendations so I am feeling pretty good. Thanks for any info.