Well, here's an answer to that oft repeated question, "Any news on Jonathan?" Unfortunately, the news today isn't good. David went to the hearing, and so all of this is filtered through him to me, so he may have to come back and clarify later.
We got a new social worker at CPS recently (a month ago?) and it has become apparant as she has looked over the case that it had completely fallen through the cracks. Jonathan's biological mother has maintained for awhile that she was trying to do her "services" but that she wasn't getting much support from CPS. It now appears that may be true. Her lack of suitable housing for herself and her 4 children in foster care, plus the one she has on the way (Yes, that's right. She's due about the same time as I am.) appears to be the only thing standing in her way of getting her children back. There is a follow-up hearing in one month (June 3rd) to see if she has managed to find such housing, and then the final trial to determine whether or not her kids go home is scheduled for July 10th.
I can't really begin to explain how this has hit David and me. We are reeling. We are terrified. Yes, Jonathan is a foster placement, and we knew his going home was a possibility. If CPS really dropped the ball and mom should have had her children back months ago, I have sympathy for that. On the other hand, I have a child in my home who is perfectly attached, happy, and well adjusted, and knows no other family but us. I cannot fathom how it could be in Jonathan's best interest to go back to a single mother with 3 older and one younger sibling that he does not know. And after nearly 10 months as his mother, it is Jonathan's best interest, and not his biological mother's, that I care about. We think he needs to stay.
We plan to start discussions with both his CPS social worker and his court appointed attorney as soon as tomorrow explaining our position. We also plan to talk to 3rd party legal council. Some friends of ours (Kara and Peter Yee) have been through this same thing very recently and have recommended the attorney they are working with.
I don't know how quickly updates will come. This entire process has been trying, to say the least, with all of the waiting. We'll keep you posted as best we can, but for now please pray that CPS would do what is in the children's best interest. If you feel it is appropriate, we would also love for you to pray that we are able to adopt Jonathan.
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4 comments:
i'm so sorry erin! i know it breaks your heart to think about giving jono back to his mom. i will pray that everything will work out in God's Will, and that you will get to keep him.
Erin, (I sent this last night via email but it was sent back to me so I decided to post it...)
Another idea would be to call Pat Jaggers. He is an adoption attorney, very well known in the foster/adoption community. He has fought for 20 years for foster parent rights, which is his passion, and has adopted several. Pat is actually where we started Nov 29th and he is the one who connected us with Terry! When peter called him the night of Nov 29th, they talked for almost 2 hours, free of charge. You can reach Pat at 713.851.6918. I suggest calling Pat to see what your rights are, and if you have a case.
Here is Terry's info:
Terry Elizondo
tlelizondo@aol.com
(713) 655-8085
I called and left her a message, letting her know that you might be calling. I would suggest calling her and at least seeing if she has any suggestions. Tell her you know us. Another thing to keep in mind is that things like this are very political, we have seen CPS jump on a few occasions just bc Terry is our attorney.
I know we touched on this yesterday, but it is very important to get the ad litum's (GAL)support. You and David need to stress that Jono has bonded with your family, that he does not have a relationship with his bio family and his world will be rocked. The GAL is supposed to be the one person who has only the child's best interest at heart. Is it the same GAL for all the siblings?
Friend, my heart is hurting with and for you. I will continue to get on my knees on your behalf. I obviously do not know God's plan, but I do know that He is able. When we went through this in Nov-Jan, I did not believe He was able... But my friends and family believed for me, and interceded to the Lord on our behalf. My friend Nicole and I are getting together next week to pray specifically for your family--she went through the exact same thing 3.5 years ago. Please feel free to call or email me if you want to cry, rant, wail (I did a lot of this, my soul was just heavy and physically aching with grief), talk things through. Know that you are loved and being covered in prayer. Know that even though you may feel like God has forgotten you, He has not, for He promises that He will never leave you.
Love you,
Kara
Erin,
Pat Jaggers is the attorney we are using for M's adoption. He came very highly recommended by CPS and I have been very impressed with him thus far.
Our prayers are with you.
I am praying and will keep praying for sure! Hope you can find moments to rest your body and soul. I love you!!!
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