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Adoption Issues/reunification process

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Expert: - 4/1/2011


Question
hello, i need to know if it is possible for a child to return home after 3 months in foster care.

my daughter, who is 20 months old, was removed from my care in january after allegations of drug use and domestic violence concerns about both myself and my daughter's father.

i have gone to every domestic violence, drug & alcohol, and mental health evaluation and all recommended treatment.

i have attended every random urine screen and tested negative each time.

i now reside in a different home than my daughter's father's.

i have court next week for a "permanency hearing", scheduled 3 months after the first hearing in which my daughter was taken.

this week my caseworker called and set up a "home study visit" that she says is to make sure i have running water, food, etc.

is that just coincedence or is she planning on recommending to the judge that my daughter be sent home?

any educated guess would be appreciated. thank you!

Answer
Hello Amanda,
No coincidence.  She is ensuring that everything is ready so that she can recommend reunification.  It can and does happen in short timeframes, especially when parents are as compliant as you described.  Make sure you have a bed and dresser and that others you may be living with are  aware of this and present well during the visit.  

Good luck!
Chandricka Mose

Adoption Issues

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Chandricka R. Mose, LCSW-C, LICSW, ACSW

Expertise

EXTENSIVE!! I can answer questions about issues pertaining to foster care, treatment foster care, foster care to adopt matters, kinship care, reunification and homestudy concerns and process.

Experience

I have 20 years of experience ih this arena. I have worked in preventing youth from entering care and provided case management to youth and families in care. I have conducted and supervised training for foster and adoptive parents in both the presercive and inservice phases. I have conducted and supervised parenting skills training for parents seeking to regain custody of their children. I also held positions as program supervisor and director of foster care services. I am an advocate for youth, professionals and parents that find theselves involved in the foster care and/or adoption process. I have also experienced foster care and adoption personally as I grew up with a mom who provided foster care services and have two adopted siblings.

Organizations
I am on the Advisory Committee of Kayla's Village. This is an advocacy and training organization for youth, professionals and parents involved with the child welfare system.

Publications
I have not been published, but serve as the social work expert at the Kayla's Village ask the expert free on-line service. I have also presented at a national conference on foster care and adoption issues.

Education/Credentials
I have a Bachelor of Social Work from Howard University and a Master of Science in Social Work from Columbia University. I am clinically licensed in both Maryland and Washington, DC.

Awards and Honors
I was once honored as Employee of the Year.

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