Updates

   Well, Little Man moved out of state, back to where his parents are. We're hoping that he will do well there. I got a text from his grandmother saying that he had settled in and is doing well in school. 

   We had trial for Giggles on Feb 20th. At that time a "ruling" was set for April 9th, as well as a Report and Review Hearing for April 15th. Despite the fact that this was a termination of parental rights trial (TPR), no decision was made. 

  The attorneys made it sound like the judge would make a decision on April 9, but that day came and went with no word. On April 15th I went to court expecting an answer, and left with nohing. Except that, by law, the judge had until close of business today, April 21, to make a decision. At 5:05pm I texted the baby's attorney and was told that parental rights were terminated. 

   Now, parents can appeal the decision, but it's a lot of work. So, we'll continue waiting for the next step.   

Why do I want to cry?

   Our New Kid shall now be known as Little Old Man, Lil Man for short. 

    Today I had a parent conference with his teacher. I actually initiated it as I was guessing that she was going to suggest retaining him in Kindgergarten for a second year. 

     We spoke at length (over an hour) and I was right. She feels it would be best for him to repeat K next year. 

     I knew this was coming. I was prepared for it. I wanted it. I see the frustration level he's currently at.

     So why did I leave the parking lot feeling like I needed to cry? 

     My friend pointed out that I feel for him. I do. He's a smart kid! Unfortunately "the system" has taken it's toll on him. He's lost the progress that he had. 

    Now the difficulty is deciding what's best for the remainder of the year. Find a better suited program for him? Let him stay in this classroom and see how much he absorbs? Will he be "too smart" if we drop him to a K4 program? Will he get too frustrated if he stays where he is? It's too late in the school year for him to be pulled into the "intervention" program. Argh. This is so frustrating. I don't know the "right answer". 

He likes it!

I can always tell when Giggles likes his dinner. He licks his plate clean! 

New Kid on the Block

     Last week we added another kiddo to the crew. He's got sparkling eyes and an infectious grin. Tomorrow he "starts" Kindergarten for the 5th time this school year! 

      I haven't decided on his blog name yet. This child is a smart kid, but it is quite evident that there have been quite a few adults who have let him down, including previous foster families. Hopefully we are a good match for him. 

Prepare your surprised face!

Trial for Termination of Parental Rights has been continued/postponed!

We've had Giggles since August 2013. 

In April it was decided that the plan was to terminate parental rights. Because of a massive amount of cases on the court calendar trial was set for August 2014. We've now had a series of events to continue/postpone trial from August to October to November to Jan 2015. And I just received word that it has been continued again, date to be announced. 

We have discovered that in the foster world you can never expect a timeline. Things can move faster or slower, depending on things in the adult world. But, in reality, it won't change much for Giggles. He'll continue to live with the family he knows and follow his normal routine, not even realizing that his life is in limbo.

Skype

Have you ever seen a 1 year old Skype?

Well, I have now. During a CFT (Child Family Team meeting, everyone involved with the case calls in to discuss things) the father'a attorney pushed hard for Giggles and the father to Skype each other since Father is out-of-state. It is not required, but Father's attorney said "I'd hate to tell the judge that Reasonable Effort has not been met". It sounded like a threat to me, but I want to be able to stand before the judge knowing that everything has been done in order to try to reunify the family. 

However, in the 2 weeks that we've been skyping twice per week , Father has failed to call in twice! Of course I am keeping records, because I'm sure this will be discussed before the judge. But, it leaves me wondering. Is this a matter of "out of sight out of mind"? 

It just doesn't sit well with me. I was gone from home for 1 night and had to call home. Now, I talked to my eldest because she was still awake, (and I knew the Littles would be terrors to Grandma's phone!), but, if the only contact I had with my child was twice per week? I think I'd be sure to be available!

I guess we'll wait and see what happens!

Postponed

Well, there was supposed to be a termination of parental rights trial on August 12th. We got a letter in the mail a few days before saying "due to a court calendar conflict trial has been postponed" until the end of October. So, our bouncing baby boy is now over a year old, has not seen any biological family since early spring, and won't have permanency for more months. I guess we'll wait to see what happens.