Today wasn't so bad. We were done by lunchtime, which I'm told is rare. Basically, the judge gave the birth parents 3 more months to get their act together. We go back to court on December 15th. Guess we'll see what unfolds between now and then. Right now, I have peace.
I must say, though, I really liked the judge today. The last time we went to court, the judge hardly paid attention. Today's judge, The Honorable Carlton Terry (if you live near here and vote) was great! He was into each case being heard and even ruled for termination of parental rights in two of the cases we saw. Both were warranted cases where the birth parents had been given plenty of time to get their acts together and had failed, miserably. At one point, he told a birth mom that they were moving toward termination. He told her it was not set in stone yet, but in the next three months she needed to
"Put up or shut up." If she wanted her child back.
Luke and I both were impressed with his genuine concern and demeanor. The last judge we saw hardly made eye contact with anyone and often, didn't even respond to the questions/statements of the attorneys.
Thanks for your prayers today. I appreciate them more than you could ever know.
I'm glad for a good report! I'll be praying we get Judge Terry when we go to court in November. :-)
ReplyDeleteYou go back to court 2 days after my birthday. Guess what my birthday wish is going to be when I blow out the candles?
ReplyDeleteYay for good judges who pay attention! We will continue praying. Continue resting in His arms and letting His peace carry you.
ReplyDeleteYour state is so different from Illinois. Our court hearings are closed to anyone except the birth parents, foster parents, judge, attorneys, department of child and family.
ReplyDeleteOur court hearings run six months between permanency reviews. Three of our four adopted sons, siblings, had biological rights terminated. Our oldest son, was placed with us at birth by his birthmother - surrenders were signed five days later and then the adoption.
YIPEE for the attentive judge. They are always a plus! Make sure to document everything - just in the event you need any recollection of events - especially since your little guy is getting older. There were times that our case worker double checked information with us. I was so glad we took good notes about visits, lack of visits, etc.
God Bless.
...but how frustrating to hear that they're gonna get ANOTHER 3 months...it's like, "okay, already, you lost your chances..."
ReplyDeleteI am glad you are feeling a peace about it all!
I think it's great. Hang in there,
ReplyDeleteYOUR FAMILY IS SO BLESS...