Thanks so much for all your replies I rang docs and they know I am willing to take them if need be, shes been on the run from them for two years now I imagine they wont catch her until the kids hit school age if they make it, the police are involved already thanks for all your concern
Probably not even once they get to school age either unfortunately. The school system will only pick them up as at risk if she even bothers to enrol them in school.
You would be considered a preferred option for these kids (assuming you meet all of the fostering criteria) if their dad is not suitable. If dad is stable then there is a very real chance that they will be placed with him over you. The courts feel that a child is better off with a biological parent if possible. I think it would depend on the type of relationship you have with the kids and how often you have seen them. If the children have been living with you for an extended period and they don’t know their dad the courts will take that into account but it doesn’t mean that you will automatically get custody. Like the others have suggested if I was you I would get approved to be a carer as this takes a long time. Even if you want to care for your own family it still takes time (many months) and the kids would be placed with a temporary carer while you get your approval.
Good luck, I hope these kids are safe and find a safe loving home with you.
Hi everyone my sister had her kids taken from her yesterday and the court hearing is this friday. The case worker rang me and seemed to be fishing for more dirt on my sister like they didnt have enough information to keep the kids away from her? what are your thoughts do you think they would take the kids away if they didnt have enough reasons and then give them back? The lady said if she doesnt get them back then they will be given to family preferably so I am going to do all that I can to get them and my partner is behind me 100 per cent. I AM the best option I hope soooo much I can get them any advise would be great the kids are 9mnths and 4, my kids are 3 and 4mnths its going to be stressful but I know we can do it!
I don't know about whether she will get them back. I assume that depends on the judge but hopefully they have enough evidence to do the right thing by the children
The system is by no means perfect. I should qualify and say that my work experience is in the Victorian system. Some things DOCS can decide but ultimately the Magistrate makes decision as well which affects where children live. Many times DOCS don't want the children to go home but Magistrates make different decisions. DOCS will be trying to gather as much information as they can so they can make the best recommendation for the children at court - whichever way the evidence lies. The history of concerns also are taken into consideration.
With a lot of cases they legally have to work towards reunification so they put plans in place of things a parent needs to do to ensure that the children will be safe at home. Sometimes children are allowed to live at home with parents required to meet certain conditions and DOCS monitoring. Other times the children are removed and parents have the opportunity to make necessary improvements for the children.
If children are removed they firstly look at the other parent to see if they are suitable or not. If that parent is not suitable they look at other relatives next. The information you have on the children's father would be considered in terms of his suitability or not. They would also make some of their own enquires about his history.
If you need extra support from DOCS to help you out whether that be financial, paying for childcare, other expenses, assistance with children's behaviour or even respite let them know as in Victoria DOCS can often assist. Sometimes they don't talk about this upfront but there usually are things they can help out with.
It's a very big thing you are doing and the kids are very very lucky to have you.
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