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Hi all,
I am very new to the foster process. We live in Texas and a family member lives in Alabama. She has substance abuse issues and is homeless. Plans were made to send her to a treatment facility where she could have the baby as well. That was the plan when we were in Al (present for his birth).
I was notified tonight that things have changed. I don't think she will be able to care for the baby (psychologically, legally, medically, etc).
He is almost done weaning on methadone at the hospital. We are very interested in fostering him in Texas (and adopting him if that opportunity arises). I am thinking he will be discharged possibly next Wednesday.
Any ideas how long this process will take and how to expidite it? I have been told by the baby's grandmother that we will have to "petition the court" in person - which is fine, but can you do this without an attorney?
I can pay for the homestudy if that is ok - quicker than waiting on a state ordered one... plus we can do all the education online if AL accepts that. I am an ICU nurse, so maybe some of my work education will count (Basic Life Support, Advanced Cardiac Life Support, Pediatric Advanced Life Support, Trauma Nursing).
Does the mother have any say in placing the baby when it is kinship foster ? I think she will be agreeable to placing him with us --> she was agreeable to this at the time of birth (grandma is here too).
I finally have the case worker's contact info at DFS. Case was transferred to different county. I had made many calls previously but didn't know a contact name. Now I do ---- am SO grateful.
Thanks for any kind/encouraging words. Will keep ya'll posted. :wings:
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Hi. We did kinship for our little Buttercup. Mother was in jail when she was born. She was ordered by the Judge to our home prior to having all our our classes completed. We only did a "mini homestudy" and finger prints to get her. Since the baby is born with drugs in her system I am sure she will be taken by the state. There should be a 72 hour hearing, if that hasnt yet been done. A Judge CAN order where to place the baby at that point-especially if the mother is agreeable. Where is the father in this situation? He has alot of pull and they will go after him eventually so keep that in mind. GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR LITTLE BUNDLE OF JOY! Keep us posted. I enjoy reading, especially the kinship cases bc they are a little more unusual.
*Buttercup is now 3 months old and OURS!** Judge Ordered full custody to us just that quick-but it is due to the BP's history. As you know, most cases drag on forever and a day, it seems. LEARN PLENTY PLENTY OF PATIENCE AND GET READY FOR A PUMPY EMOTIONAL RIDE. Kinship is VERY hard!
**Edited to add this** Also go ahead and check in to the classes. Ask if you can get started ahead of time since you are expecting the baby. Also, our SW's Super told us to make a portfolio of our family with family photos, kids activities, our home, any awards the kids may have, letters of references, etc. Ya know..to kind of show your lifestyle to the Judge. We never had to use ours but I did it anyway and now Buttercup will have it in the future. Just an idea.
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I don't want to discourage you, but get ready for a wild ride. Anytime a child in DFPS custody moves across state lines we are talking about quite a bit of time.
Bios do have a say in kinship and fictive kin, problem is you are out of state so baby couldn't be placed with you as a foster placement from the beginning.
My suggestion call, call, call, and email, email, email until you get answers. Get in contact with your local CPS and begin the process to get licensed as kinship foster parents. Hang in there!
Good luck and keep us posted!