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Friday, October 26, 2007

GOAL CHANGED!!

The best news so far:

This week there was a court hearing for Honey Bun in which the new social worker petitioned for Honey Bun's goal to be changed from "return to parents" to "ADOPTION". And it was granted!

At the same time, she petitioned to deny services to incarcerated biomom, and that was GRANTED! Biomom isn't eligible for parole until May 08, and it isn't expected to be awarded then.

The social worker hasn't talked to alleged biodad, but he may have already gone for his DNA testing. I will be taking Honey Bun in on Thursday at 8:30 am for her part. At that point they will tell me if alleged biodad has done his part as well.

The next court date is November 26th. At that point, the social worker will appear before the judge and they will make sure all is in order for the TPR petition. Then, she will get a court date for TPR! They are wasting no time.

Even if alleged biodad turns up a positive match, they will petition to deny services and TPR on him. He's a vastly inappropriate placement. He would also have to pay child support to the state. If he makes contact, SW will counsel him to relinquish his rights voluntarily. Social worker says it would be best to get a positive DNA test as the legal paperwork would be faster and "tidier". If that's what she says, then that's what I'll pray for.

So, at best we will get at TPR date around the end of this year/beginning of next year. At worst, the DNA test will be negative and it will take an extra few months to do the legal work on legal husband as father and terminate his rights.

At any rate, I got all the answers I needed. I asked if there was any serious risk of Honey Bun leaving. I got a confident "No." I told the social worker how scared I was. She totally understood, and was very kind. She has 25 cases right now, and she's anxious to turn this one over to an adoption worker as soon as humanly possible. She's familiar enough with the case to know that TPR will be a major celebration.

This is indeed the best news we could have gotten at this point.

We celebrated with Chinese takeout. It was delicious. We are relieved.

Please leave Honey Bun your congratulations in the comments! She's one step closer to permanency! I'll put your comments in her lifebook. :)

23 comments:

Heather@To Sow a Seed said...

CONGRATS!!!!

(btw, I love your blog. Thanks for sharing so honestly. We are awaiting placement and hungry for news from those who have already successfully adopted!)

Anonymous said...

I am so happy for you~!
You know how long I have been following your blog--I think your family is great, and I am so happy for your little Honey Bun to stay forever where she belongs-with her parents and sister!!

Anonymous said...

Welcome home, Honey Bun!

TeamWinks said...

Congratulations to you Honey Bun and your mom and dad. You have no clue what is going on right now, but I'm sure you know that your mommy and daddy seem to be smiling an awful lot today. Just know that it's because you make them happy beyond measure!

Lisa said...

Congrats! I must say I am so jealous of how much better and faster the court systems are where you live. Here things drag out forever and they see no problem returning kids to drug dealing parents.

Even after Smiley's plan was changed to TPR it took over a year later before getting a TPR hearing.

Maybe I should consider moving.

I'm so happy for you and glad to know that some cw's and judges still put the kids first!

Welshie said...

Honeybun - you have the best Mom and Dad to take care of you!!! Congratulations in coming home honey bun, you are beautiful!!!

Love

Debbie in the UK

mom to three great kids said...

So happy to hear the good new..i hope it's a trend :)
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE WHOLE FAMILY....

JUST A MOM said...

OOOOHHHH HUNNY BUN YOU ARE GETTING THE BEST PARENT I THINK I HAVE READ!!!!! I think it is sooooooo great how God works. congrads.... This is such good news to be late here for ,,, I am so happy for you

Rebecca said...

YEAH!!!!I am so happy for you Honey Bun (and mom and dad too)!
GOD BLESS~~

Amanda said...

Yeah. Honey Bun, I am so, so glad that you will get to stay with your mommy and daddy and sister. You were wanted and loved long before you were even born, little one :-)

Sara K. Parker said...

I just KNEW it!!!! :) Sooooo relieved for you!

Sara

J. Pannell said...

Yay, Honeybun! This made my day!

happyadoptingmom said...

Congratulations!! One step closer to being legally part of your forever family.

Julie said...

Man that the best news ever! So great!! GO GOD!!! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!! Yippee!!! Honeybun is safe! Family in tact and Cookie keeps her sister!! AMEN!

Jo said...

Congrats Honey Bun! I'm always so happy to hear that the courts are doing what is in the best interest of the child! One step closer to a FOREVER FAMILY!

-gwyn said...

Congrats on being a PERMANENT Honey Bun!!!

Thanks for sharing!

Anonymous said...

I'm glad to hear that you are getting some answers and traction on what will happen next. I've been on the caseworker side of the equation and I know what it's like to be totally snowed under with work with such huge things on the line. I'm glad things are moving for you and for Honey Bun.

Marthavmuffin said...

Oh good, I am so glad for you and your little honey bun! It sounds like you have a pro-child judge in your corner and that is such a good thing. We were also blessed with a pro-child judge who didn't listen to excuses from the birth parents and moved Jamie's case quickly to TPR when the 12 months of the case plan were up. Congrats!

Sunshine said...

Congratulations Honey Bun!

FosterAbba said...

Mazel tov!

GLouise said...

Hurrah!!!

Overwhelmed! said...

Honey Bun, I am so happy and excited for you that you'll be able to become a part of this loving forever family.

I am praying that the rest of your adoption process is smooth sailing until finalization and beyond!

Best of luck sweet little girl!

FosterMom said...

Congratulations, Honey Bun, on your new forever family! What a blessing to join your sister! You will be loved and cared for always - your mommy and daddy are wonderful people! Many blessings!