[concernedaunt79]

My 2 year old niece just spent the last month and a half with me because a children's home-not DCFS took her out of the home. Her parents are both disabled but her mother is bipolar as well and having issues. She was in respite care for 2 weeks then came to me. All was fine until I filed guardianship papers because I did not want to see her get messed up in the system. The father is behind me getting guardianship. The mother is not. The mother and the case workers from the Children's home went behind our backs and as soon as they received notice I had a hearing for guardianship (which is tomorrow), they went to DCFS and got a court date for before mine-which was this last Friday. The father and myself were notified Thursday evening. We went to court-the parents were asked one question. Do you agree with her becoming a ward of the state-the father said no. The mother said the same but included-NO, but I do not want her getting guardianship. So they made her a ward of the state. I don't understand this at all. She was with family-the case workers even told me in the beginning she was doing much better with me. Then they rip her away. We still have the guardianship hearing tomorrow (in a different county). Anyone have any advice on this situation?

[cdad]

I hope you have a lawyer that is with you to represent both your and the child's best interest. The board was acting up yesterday so that's maybe why you haven't received an answer. Hope it went well for you. Let us know.

[concernedaunt79]

Unfortunately it didn't go well today-granted the judge didn't just dismiss the case-he put it pending. He said he couldn't override what the other judge had already done. I didn't have time to get a lawyer-because I didn't think that I was going to need one. I had no idea this past Friday was going to happen with the surprise court date. I am however meeting with a lawyer Wednesday morning. Just kills me. Did finally find out today-she is indeed in a foster home. None of us can talk to her until at least the next court date which is 3 WEEKS away! Just drives me insane. They haven't asked for any of her things. Her baby.. Her blanket.. They don't know the routine she has been on for the past month and a half.. breaks my heart

[cdad]

Yes that is insane but you have to remember they were going for the money grab. That never includes the best interest of the child. Now that she is in the system others can profit from her. It's a shame because she was already placed with you. I believe there is hope for you because you did file first ? At least that's the way you wrote it out for a timeline. In doing that and if it is true you might be able to overturn the judgement and gain possession of the child as the other hearing didn't have jurisdiction because of a pending action. At least that's what it sounds like from what your describing. Keep us posted.