What an experience!!  It kind of all started one evening when I received a phone call from the mother.  We spoke for a good while and I was able to gather some new, important information that we hadn’t known about before.  I reminded her about what time she needed to be in court the next day, and she said okay.  Well, looooong story short, after about 7 phone calls, giving directions 4 times, the hearing time being pushed back twice, and being over 3 hours late in one morning, she still didn’t make it in time for the hearing.  Actually, she ended up walking in right when it was finished.  Of course she was upset, but the judge simply told her that she was given more than enough time to get there.  She was able to meet with an attorney, though, and hopefully they can form an action plan so she can start having visits with her daughter and getting some help for herself.

There were two things I was somewhat disappointed in.  First, I didn’t get to experience writing up a court report due to my supervisor being ill and time constraints.  Though I’m sure I will have plenty of opportunities to learn how to do those!  And second, the actual show-cause hearing was extremely short.  I’m sure part of that was because the mother didn’t show up in time, but I suppose my assumptions we more like Hollywood court rooms.  But it was certainly to the point, so I guess short and sweet is the way to go sometimes, especially in a full-docket courtroom.

I don’t know if it’s just because this is my first case, or if I’ll never really understand, but I just can’t wrap my mind around how a parent wouldn’t prepare and do everything in their power to get their children back.  Granted, I’m not in the position to understand…the struggles, the hardships, the restraints, etc….and I am extremely grateful that I don’t have to be.  So, having not walked in those shoes, I really think I may never fully understand.

Now my main focus will be on the child and gathering more information about her.  I’ll be visiting her often and keeping track of any progress she may make.  I have several phone calls to make and some faxes to send in hopes of receiving new information.  The next court date is over a month away, so fortunately with this time we can be a bit more solid in our recommendations.

This case is certainly turning out to be more intricate than I originally anticipated.  But that’s making it more exciting!