Our juvenile justice system simply moves at a snail's pace. That's all there is to it. I'm so incredibly frustrated today. I had a court date today. I new nothing would be accomplished, really. It was simply a hearing to set the date for my the adjudication hearing. That hearing is not until July 13! In our county, juvenile court only takes place every other Wednesday. The 13th of July was the next open date on the court calendar. That freaking stinks. They were so quick to steal her from me, but they are so slow to allow me the chance to prove myself innocent. Our system is so backward!
So, what exactly is an adjudication hearing? To the best of my knowledge, it is like a trial, but in juvenile court. Both sides have the opportunity to present witnesses and both sides can cross examine the witnesses. I'll have a chance to get on the stand in my own defense. At the conclusion of the hearing, the judge makes a ruling. She can say one of four things.
1. DCFS was wrong to take my baby, and will return her immediately
2. DCFS was right to take her, but she has been gone long enough, and send her home that day.
3. DCFS was right to take her and give my caseworker discussion in returning her home.
4. DCFS was right to take her and set another date further down the road to send her home.
Let's hope and pray for option #1!!! At this point, I'd settle for option #2. If the judge chooses option -#1, I can use that ruling in my appeal to DCFS to have this erroneous accusation removed from my file, so that I can once again work with kids.
So, what's another 2 months??? Ugh.
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Simply put, the way you are being treated is unconstitutional and complete bull shit. I'm sorry, but your story infuriates me. Through complete lack of due process, and an obvious breach of the right to a speedy AND fair trial there is something CLEARLY amiss in how this case is being handled. I cannot fathom what hell you have been through, and I cannot imagine how unfair it is to essentially miss the majority of the first year of your daughter's life without cause. I hope that heads will roll once this is settled.
ReplyDeleteI may have been relatively quite through your support, but please know that it is only because I cannot even think about this without being so upset that I nearly shut down.
We are all pulling for you,
Sophie (sharkbait)
I am hoping that you get #1... I know it is a long time to wait, but at least you can see baby beautiful and make decisions about her. :) Know that you are a very strong momma and that everyone here is pulling for you!
ReplyDeleteOf course we will all be hoping and pra ying for option one. I can't imagine what you'd go through if your dad wasn't in the mix. Please let us know if there is anything we can do for you or baby beautiful.
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