Progress?

One week ago today, Toby and I went to court for a review of Angie's case.   Angie's lawyer explained to the judge about the lack of progress and the judge was frustrated too.  We have had the same judge preside over Angie's case since she was a newborn and he knows the case well.  He strongly believes she belongs with us and was thrilled when he was able to change her plan to an adoption track.  I have not always agreed with some of his decisions in other cases but on this day he did the right thing....

The Department of Human Services caseworker was unable to attend the hearing and her replacement forgot to show up.  The judge made a ruling of No Reasonable Efforts against the Department and set another hearing in 30 days to check on the progress of the case.  A No Reasonable Efforts finding is a very big deal for DHS.  They will now lose federal funding for Angie's case and they will be required to answer for the lack of effort on their part.  It is serious.

I thought that we would magically see progress from that point forward.  Oddly, I have not heard one word about going forward with the adoption.  At first, I felt a little bad for the agency, but it seems that even this ruling is not enough to get their attention. On a daily basis, nothing has changed for us. We are still doing what we do and loving every minute of caring for this precious girl.  As time goes on, the adoption seems distant and unrealistic but I know it will eventually happen.

We have not given up hope, but we are extremely disappointed. I try to stay positive by planning in my head the biggest party ever to celebrate Adoption Day, whenever that might be.  More to come about that........