By my choice I was in court on my birthday, it was to get emergency temporary custody of my kids.

Background: On 1-14 I got a call from child welfare needing to talk to me about my kids, didn't get hold of the case worker until the 17 and found out that they told my ex that the kids could either come live with me or the state would take them. The kids came over for their scheduled weekend on the 18 and my attorney told me not to send them back. Attorney, case worker and I played phone tag until the 25 when my attorney set up the hearing for today (the 29).

My ex was about 40 minutes late for the hearing, the case worker was on the stand the longest, I didn't speak at all, ex blamed everything on someone else and doesn't know what chronic means.

The case worker was able to say the the founded disposition was for chronic neglect, that two of the kids have said that they want to live with me, and that another case worker visited my home and that DHS has no concern about the kids living with me.

I still have two more court dates about this and probably another parenting plan study too, but for now they are with me.

There are other post that I have done about more background on the abuse of my three youngest and my nut case ex. I will post more when more happens.

I don't know all the backround. However I am sorry for your children that they were in that bad situation.
So glad they are now safe with you where it seems to me they belong. For a while now when I see your pictures I always think what a lovely family. Now they will be happy and safe..that must have been the greatest Birthday gift ever..to know that your kids are safe and happy.

Dale, I have to say, even though it is not the way you wanted it to be, congrats on having your kids with you even if it is only temporary. I remember the set backs and how much faith you have lost in the system, but hopefully this will renew some of that faith. I am glad to hear that they are finally safe with you....

-J

Sorry you had to go thorugh that but congrats on the temporary custody and at now you knowthat your children are safe. I am sure everything will turn out all right.

Hi Ho Dale and Happy Birhtday Young Man....

Hang in there...this will work out for the best for you and the kids...

Grandpa Dale,

I am so glad you have your three youngest with you. Do whatever you can to get those DHS people happy. Its awful once they are involved because even the best of parents have a hard time meeting their standards.

Oh and enjoy enjoy enjoy the joys of your children. It truly is the best gift I can think of for anyone on their birthday.

COngrats on getting the kids in home if only temp.

As for dealing with DHS, play as nice as you can. Honestly, if they say jump, jump. Keep in close contact with your attorney. If one has not been appointed, you can still get one. Going into those hearings without an attorney is like having brain surgery without a surgeon. Make sure the attorney has lots of experience with family court.

Also play really really nice with the CASA/GAL. They hold a lot more power than you think.

If you need any advice, feel free to ask me.

Yay! I'm so glad to hear they are with you! And I agree with all of them, just do whatever they say you need to do to keep your kids! Oh that is so great, I bet you've just loved getting this time with them, even though it's stressful. Let us know how things go along!

Now that the kids are with me DHS is closing their case. They will not monitor me with the kids as they don't want to be involved in a custody battle.

Under oath my ex blamed my 6yo for wearing dirty clothes day after day, what a "mother". The judge is the one who has retained the divorce case from the original judge who retired, so she is digging herself a deep hole.

Will let you all know more as it happens.

That is great news! If DHS was going to take the kids from the mother then closed the case when they saw the kids are with you, that means you will most likely win the custody.

CPS does not step out of kids lives until the danger and harm is over.

Good job!

Congratulations Dale. I hope everything works out for you and your family. I know 2007 was a hard year for you.... so 2008 is looking very bright.

Congrats grampa Dale! You and your family will continue to be in my prayers.

Dale, thanks for the advice on saving documentation to show the way things really have played out to disprove the anticipated lies of my nut case ex. I am so glad you told that whales lady that info because I think it will help me too. Also congrats on a permanent safe house for your kids, it sounds like the ex may just phase herself out. Thanks!