News About Summer's Case

Last week we attended a panel review at the court house. Our case worker informed us that she had just found out that Summer's birth mom, who is committed to seeking custody of Summer, was to be released from prison on June 24th. (So she got out yesterday.)

So now it is up to DFCS to terminate her parental rights while she simultaneously works her case plan to try to prove she is able to provide the child a good home. It is still very likely TPR will be accomplished, but it may take more effort and time. And we are pretty sure the birth mom will appeal the decision once TPR happens, but we've been told the time it takes to finalize a case has been greatly shortened since laws have been changed. In the past, the appeals process could drag on for years, but not anymore.

There were about 5 people there reviewing her case, and in the group there were employees of DFCS as well as a few concerned citizens who do this kind of thing on a regular basis. All but one person there was passionate about Summer staying with us. They were filled with joy watching Summer and Hannah and Jason play in the playroom adjacent to the meeting room. To them it was so clear that this was a family in which Summer was thriving. They couldn't bear the thought of someone tearing it apart. After getting information about the birth mom, they cited doubts about her ability to establish a stable home for the child and to stay off drugs once she is out. They said it is easy in prison to think only of gaining custody of your child, but once she is out she will face many temptations she is currently being shielded from.

According to her reunification case plan, the birth mom is required to participate in a residence drug rehabilitation program (which is 100 miles away) for a year. Now that she is out of prison, she may be entitled to regular visits with Summer. During the meeting, we suggested that if there were to be visits, that we be the ones to transport Summer to the town were the birth mom will be living. The case worker would do the actual transporting of the last few miles. We told them that Summer was rather traumatized the last time she did regular visits with someone seeking custody. After all, being taken away from home for a few hours by a total stranger and then meeting with another stranger was pretty traumatic on her. She's a lot better with strangers now, but one reason I think she is, is because she hasn't gone through that experience in many months. They liked the idea, and said since it is so far, they suggested monthly (not weekly) visits in their report.

It remains to be seen what will happen next. I'm still confident that Summer will be placed in the best home for her. I know she has a good judge assigned to her case, but even more than that, I know that the Judge of all judges is on the case. Plus, I know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28.

We appreciate your prayers for Summer, her case, and for us. Also, please pray for Summer's birth mom--that she'll stay away from drugs and turn to Jesus. And that she'll decide to do what is best for Summer and stop pursuing custody.

Thank you.