Aggravated Circumstances Hearing

Yesterday was the Bio Dad's aggravated circumstances hearing. I was told it would be quick, simple, and a done deal, and I didn't have to attend.  Well, the caseworker emailed me and told me that the judge did not make her decision, that she wanted to weigh the information and think things over and would get back to us in a few days.  Why does one need to weigh things over when Bio Dad hasn't seen his child in 10 months!? He has been in and out of jail, on the run, and when he was not incarcerated, he chose not to see her.  He had a visit with her about 3 times total.  Aggravated circumstances occur when a bio parent has not seen their child in 6 months.  I have to say that at times, this system overly frustrates me!!!

A Thankful Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving Day my dear readers!  So much to be thankful for today~my husband, who is such a hard worker and good provider for us, my children, my foster children, my extended family.  But most of all, I think I am just so thankful to have a warm, comforting, happy place to call home.  I think about foster children who are in group homes with no family contact, or those who are about to age out of the system with nowhere to go or no supports, and it humbles me to the point of tears.  I brought this point up with my children this morning to help them feel gratefulness for all of our blessings. If you are reading this, please consider ways you can help these foster children, whether it be by becoming a foster parent, spreading foster care awareness through your church or work place or donating clothing, toys, special items, etc. to your local county children and youth agency.
 To you and yours, may you be Blessed this Thanksgiving day and always.
The Queen Mama

Time is Up!

Time is up for Bio Mom to change her mind after signing her consent to adoption.  30 days of angst on our part, wondering if she would change her mind.  Even if she did, the case still would have gone to termination, but it would have meant a much longer journey.  Papers are being filed with the courts tomorrow and then a hearing for the judge to confirm the signing.  Papers are also being filed with the courts this week for termination of rights for the Bio Father, who is still incarcerated.  But, that is not the end.  We still have to wait for a termination hearing to be scheduled for him, and then a finalization hearing (adoption) , so we are looking at probably next March or April.  Bio Mom canceled her visit this past week, and cut her visit an hour short the week before, so I am curious as to whether she will request a visit this coming week.  We are so thankful for our little Sweet Pea, so humbled and grateful that God has chosen us to be her forever family.  So thankful that Birth Mom is at peace with the situation and that she insisted that Sweet Pea be adopted by us.
Many many blessings to you on your journey,
The Queen Mama

Do You Have a Foster Adoption Story?

Hello Dear Readers,
Do you have a foster adoption story you would like to tell?  Have you finalized your adoption, or are you just beginning your adoption story, and would like to guest post/blog?  Contact me at fosteradoptionmommy@gmail.com for more information!
Blessings,
The Queen Mama

Seven Days Til Consent Deadline

Sweet Pea had another visit with Bio Mom today.  Two hours.   There are 7 days left until her consent to adoption is final.  Irrevocable.  Forever.   Caseworkers talked with Bio Mom prior to us getting there again about when the consent to adoption will be final, and that no visitation will take place after that unless we as adoptive parents agree to it.  They asked her to prepare herself for the possibility that we will want no contact.  They wanted to make sure she understood that post adoption contact was voluntary and that it may only consist of pictures and letters.  Surprisingly, she was fine with everything, and actually proactive by telling them that she was going to encourage Bio Dad to sign consent as well (as he is refusing, even though he is in jail for at least a year and is facing aggravated circumstances).  
While I am happy with this news, my heart actually skipped a beat, and I had a growing pit in my stomach when I saw Bio Mom with Sweet Pea today.  I know she made her own choices, and I know Sweet Pea and her other children are not safe in her care, but I am still a Mom, she is still a Mom, and she is human.  I know this is not easy for her, and I feel compassion for her.  I pray she can find God for her strength to stay away from the things in her life that overtake her and try to defeat her.
Blessings to you, my dear readers,
The Queen Mama