I have had my cousin’s daughter (15 months ancient) for three months now. We have achieved our license for guardianship, but are only now temp. kinship. We have supplied the bio parents with weekly one hour supervised visits. This entire process has been with the number one goal of TPR (parental rights removal), but just as of last week the goal has changed to TPR with concurrent goal of reunification. The parents are on track for what is probable of them before we go to court, but are mental not ready for this baby to go back with them. We are probable to have our first hearing in August or at the latest September. This baby was neglected and not on track with development when we got her. She is now caught up developmentally with lots of hard work. She has also gained needed weight and has just done a complete 180 since she’s been with us. Our hopes is to adopt her once TPR is complete. Is there anything superfluous that we need to be doing to improve our case? We are also unsupported by that side of the family, they judge we obtained her for our own selfish reasons. They are going out of their way to help the bio parents (as in give them money, a place to live, etc.), it’s very stressful. If anyone has any advice for us we would momentously appreciate it.

Best answer:

Answer by Skadoctor1
A lot of your questions will depend on the state you live and state law for that state. But, in SC, the birthparents are basically given every opportunity for reunification in anticipation of they any dont meet their part of requirements or, reunification occurs.

In SC reunification only occurs if the parents make strong attempts to be actively involved, pay the fees required by the state, and meet the requirements.

If I were you, I would gear up for a lengthy legal battle in August or Sept. In SC the foster parents (which you are) are permitted to be a witness in court on any small comings experienced as part of the reunification process. This may possibly include, parents missing their weekly visit, etc.

The fact that YOU reflect they arent mentally ready wont hold sand unless you give the court evidence of continued neglect etc.

If the birth parents are meeting the requirements, then they will probably get the child back. While it is hard to come to terms, the ultimate outcome for the courts is to see the child back in their biological home and they wont care who will provide the better home, in most cases. Thats the unfortunate part. But, while it will hurt to hear this, that child is their biological child and while you have done more for it while in your care than the parents during the time they had them, the courts rarely look at that. Which is one reason why in SC social workers are upfront about parental rights and fostering because they know bonds will be formed but want to ease hurt as much as possible.

So document, document, document… If the parents are saying any thing while seeing the child like their being unprepared etc. record it. Take this to court. Force not guarantee parental rights are revoked, but it cant hurt in this instance.

Revoking parental rights is a huge thing even if, which is why the courts give birthparents every opportunity to make better lives for their birth child.

Excellent luck.

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