New Here, Severance and adoption

January 31, 2017

Hi All :)

It's nice to know some people still use forums!

A little about me(us).

My name is Brandy, DH and I have been married 5 years. We have 3 bio children DS 10 (my stepson) DS 7, Ds 4.

We also have a beautiful FD (10months)

We are first time foster parents and have had our little girl for 6 months, after a failed adoption and disrupted kinship placement.

Last week our case plan changed to severance/adoption recommended adoption by placement(Us)

Fd was born exposed to Meth and Heroin, but thankfully not addicted. BM was 17 years old and placed her for adoption. After 48 hours, BM changed her mind and took Fd back where she was removed by DCS hours later. Due to domestic violence, substantial drug use, and incarceration while Bio was pregnant.

Bm & Bd failed to list any appropriate relatives causing Fd to go into congregate care for 2 months. At 2 months old, a distant aunt was placed with FD(NL kinship), it was short lived when her husband was charged for selling cocaine out of their home.

We received FD at 4months old as an emergency placement. Up until this point, BM had maybe seen her 3 times. [Bd has never seen her(10m in care)]

Once we got our pretty girl, Bm noticed how well she was taken care of upon our first CFT, Mom started coming to visits, and even went into inpatient rehab. It was the first attempt(out of 4 denied referrals) since baby was born to get better. Rehab was an epic fail unfortunately, as mom stole credit cards from her therapy coaches, and went on a meth binge. Luckily for her, they did not press charges, but they did file a report.

Since about 6m in care, BM has only seen FD about 5 times. She is allotted 8 visits per month and maybe comes to 2. Our FD has no bond or attachment to her BM. Once rehab wasn't a success, Mom began using harder than ever. This time, IV meth and heroin use. She stopped participating in services, dropping, coming to visits etc. We are going on the 12th visit in a row, missed or cancelled by BM.

Last week, the judge changed our case plan to severance and adoption, and moments after, Bio Dad (for the FIRST time ever) stormed in the court room like Father of the Year! I was shocked. Despite his words of affirmation, the Judge basically told him its too little too late. We are awaiting our initial severance hearing and I can't help but wonder if BD is actually going to try now. He and Mom admitted to IV use prior to the hearing last week.

BD is currently homeless, shelter hopping and has a few criminal cases he needs to take care of. BM lives with paternal GMA who is the biggest enabler on this planet.

BD has not signed the birth certificate or taken the paternity test up to this point.

GAL and CM are pushing for our family to adopt as the bonding and attachment with FD and our family is being taken very seriously. CM says at this time, kinship will not be considered due to time in care.

How common is it for case plans to go back to Reunify once change to Severance? and given the info, what should we expect at our Initial Severance Hearing? Any input is greatly appreciated :)

Thanks so much,

Britt Fam

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