Returning home to Bio family

I am a foster parent in Northern California, and have a general question regarding judges and the court. From what I've heard from our social worker, the birth parent is not ready to have our foster child returned to her (there are no drug issues, just employment, suitable home, childcare arrangements, etc). Social services has been vague in explaining the situation to me, however I've been told that their recommendation at the next court date is that the child not be returned to the parent at this time. Our foster child is feeling as many kids do; she wants to go home desperately and wants to know when she will. So far, the child's wishes do not seem to be considered by the social workers. They seem completely focused on the parent, and also seem to complain a lot about the parent and her situation. My question is this - does the judge always take the recommendation of the social workers in determining when the child goes home? I believe the parent is working very hard to get her child back, and the child desperately wants to go home. It seems the court should also take into consideration the child's wishes as a major consideration as well. Any insight would be helpful. Thanks.