Progress

Today was a rescheduled court date for C. A few weeks ago Matt went to a busy overfilled court house with both children for HOURS to attempt to ratify Cs new permanency plan. No one showed up other than our case worker and Matt. Neither attorney showed nor did C's mom. The judge would not rule on anything with both attorneys gone. Needless to say, Matt and I were extremely frustrated with the lack of progress in C's case. She is now over the age of one.

The mother and alleged father have been consistently inconsistent for the last year of C's life.The case worker is ready to change her goal from return to parent or adoption to adoption only (as are we).

Today's court date was the complete opposite from a few weeks ago. Matt took only C and the court house was not near as crowded. Similarly, C's mom and her attorney did not show up. However, Matt, C's caseworker and C's attorney was present today. All had notification of the court date so the judge proceeded. 

C's case worker took the stand and answered a few questions thoroughly in regards to the mother's inconsistency. Matt said it was as if she had memorized the answers, no stumbling, no umms, just the truthful answers that was asked of her. 
Next C's attorney who we have been disappointed with time and time again, spoke up on our behalf. He had nothing but positive words to say about us as C's pre-adoptive home. He is not the best but he seems to speak up at appropriate moments so we have to give him credit and respect him for that.

The judge had no problem changing her goal to adoption with the information presented.

Upon leaving the court room today, C's attorney asked her case worker to begin working up the paper work for termination of parenteral rights (TPR).

Next Thursday we have another court date for C. This is her adjudication rehearing trial. At the last hearing in April, DCS did not have all of the details and paper work needed to find severe abuse on the mother. Severe abuse is usually grounds for moving to TPR. Be praying for the outcome of next week's court date and that it is in the best interest of C, whatever that may be.

I am just thankful today to have had progress. I did care what the outcome of today would be but more than anything, I just want progress for C's sake. We love C, and we consider her part of our family but legally she is still not a Nason. If God's plan is for her to become a Nason, then we will praise Him but we will also praise Him if God has a different plan for her. C's mother has many mental, emotional and physical health issues as well as unstable living arrangements. She loves C but she is unable to truly care for a child. Being completely honest, I know I would be overwhelmed with emotions if a judge ruled on behalf of the mother and allowed C to return to an unstable environment.

Within a week, Matt will have been at court 3 times between both kids. If that isn't commitment, I don't know what is :) Proud of my hubby and thankful for his love for B and C.