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My foster kids have been in the system for several years and with me as pre-adoptive for close to a year and TPR has finally begun. A mysterious distant relative of dad surfaced today (per mom) that doesnt sound like a good fit to me. DCS is going to background them and, if all checks out in their criminal history, they are going to move them I guess. We were planning to adopt when TPR finalizes. Do we have ANY options to prevent them from moving them or do we not have a leg to stand on. We have no proof that this is dad's relative but DCS says that bio mom has no reason to lie (really?! she is a drug addict who wants her kids back). Am I naive to think that something has to be able to be done. Is this system really this blind and going to let this happen? I am not sure what all I can share so I hope that this is general enough. :( THANKS!
:confused:
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You don't say how long the children have been at your home. That plays a factor.
i can assure you, as someone on the other side, relatives and their lineage to the child, as well as a full background check will be done. the relative will be interview and examined not only for fitness, but motivation. They will need to answer as to why they are only showing up now
Sorry if I wasn't clear in my first sentence - I was saying they have been with me (a pre-adoptive home) for almost a year. They already had a team meeting with them and the staff (none of us) and the Division Mgr said that, if the background check is clean and their home is safe, to start transitional visits. I will look for a lawyer to contact to be safe. This is just bizarre to me that we are a month or so from petitioning to adopt and they want to rip the kids out and start all over with distant "family" that the kids barely knew and haven't seen in over 3 years at least. After all they've been through (long, convoluted story) it is just sad. I am trying to stay objective and think what is best for them and not me but still can't fathom that this is best for them. Thanks for listening!
I would definitely consult a lawyer. I know of a great one in Indianapolis. She was amazing on our case and worth every penny! PM me if you want more info! I'd fight for these kids too.
Nicole46203
Sorry if I wasn't clear in my first sentence - I was saying they have been with me (a pre-adoptive home) for almost a year. They already had a team meeting with them and the staff (none of us) and the Division Mgr said that, if the background check is clean and their home is safe, to start transitional visits. I will look for a lawyer to contact to be safe. This is just bizarre to me that we are a month or so from petitioning to adopt and they want to rip the kids out and start all over with distant "family" that the kids barely knew and haven't seen in over 3 years at least. After all they've been through (long, convoluted story) it is just sad. I am trying to stay objective and think what is best for them and not me but still can't fathom that this is best for them. Thanks for listening!
Are you in Marion Co? I have heard of them giving lip service to other last minute relatives, but nothing like assuming that everything is fine and saying to start transition visits. I know of a great attorney too. She used to work for DCS.
We were interested in the baby's older brother and sister. We're relatives of them, but the case worker, guardian ad litum, CASA, in home therapists, all thought that a different family would force mom to get herself together and get these kids back if that was gonna happen.
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lakin11
I would definitely consult a lawyer. I know of a great one in Indianapolis. She was amazing on our case and worth every penny!
PM me if you want more info!
I'd fight for these kids too.