So we offically filed the intervention to terminate parental rights for our foster children so we could adopt them. That happened on Friday, 7/17/09 while we were away at my family reunion for the weekend (more about that later!). I don't know why this whole thing is so scary to me, but it is. I have only been in a court room where I was actually involved in the case one other time before this (I was 5, so I don't exactly remember it). The only other time I have ever even seen a court room was for jury duty - that I didn't get picked for. I guess maybe it is the fear of the unknown and I am definitely a person who likes to be in the know! :) I can't plan or prepare when I don't know!
I think the other thing that scares me about this whole process is that we are putting our faith in the system to see and do the right thing by these boys. There is SO no guarantee here and I know that it is possible that the Judge will allow some additional time or other opportunities for family instead of granting our request for termination. I know that I have to just trust in God's will and know that He will lead us down the right path. But I already mentioned my lack of patience with the unknown.... :)
The status is this: The intervention has been filed. CPS has given our lawyer a copy of the boys' case files so she can review them and see what can be used in our case. As such, we have learned some interesting things about our little ones' backgrounds. I was unsure if I really wanted to read the case file or not, but have decided that no matter how hard it may be for me, I need to know these things to adjust my parenting for what these boys need. Anyways, after talking to all of the players involved (with the exception of the parents of course), our lawyer says that everyone is supportive of termination and adoption by us. Their CASA worker said she would be willing to testify in court that adoption with us is in thier best interest, the boys' Attorney ad Litem said the same and CPS has indicated they are also in favor of placing the boys with us permanently - though they can't really testify to that affect....they have to really stick to their policies. But to know that they are in our corner is helpful.
We also got an update from our lawyer yesterday that she is feeling more confident about the strength of our case for termination of the youngest one's father's rights (I know that is a tounge tier, but as soon as they are ours we can use names!!!). We thought he would be our "wild card" in the case as our lawyer was already pretty confident the other two would be easily terminated given the circumstances (the oldest's father and their mother). But after reviewing the CPS case file, it appears there is more to the story with our "wild card" and we may be a bit better off than we thought. Still no guarantees, so I just keep praying that God will keep things moving in the right direction.
Of course, our prayer continues to be for what is best for these boys. Despite our own selfish motivations for filing this intervention, I am continuing to pray that it is the right thing for us to do for these boys. We are still a little in shock that it would work out this way with our first placement - and one that was only supposed to be two weeks at the most! But God does have a way of making things work out for the right reasons. We can continue to hope and pray that these boys' families will also find their way out of "destruction" as well. We know how important that family connection is and if there is a way to safely maintain that for these boys we want to do that.
So as usual I end this entry with a request for continued prayers. We have so appreciated the support we have gotten from all around the globe even! It is trully amazing that we can be here where we are now and we know it is becuase of the wonderful people who support us every step of the way. We love you all and hope to announcing the adoption of our boys very soon! :)
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