ExpertLaw.com Forums

How to Stop Termination of Parental Rights and Adoption While Parents are in Jail

Printable View

  • 09-09-2014, 03:10 PM
    davis909
    How to Stop Termination of Parental Rights and Adoption While Parents are in Jail
    My question involves child abuse or neglect in the State of: Oklahoma

    Friend of mine is currently in jail awaiting trial in a child abuse case; both parents blamed the other for the abuse, and thus were both arrested and charged so the courts can decide what's what. In the meantime, an estranged family member, whose spouse conveniently works for DHS, stepped forward the day of the arrest and was able to place the child in their home, against the wishes of both parents and their families (the child's paternal and maternal grandparents). It has been nine months since this happened, and despite my friend repeatedly sending letters to DHS, no caseworkers has ever visited her or sent her any information regarding her case or what steps she needs to take to ensure she keeps her children.

    The estranged family member has made it clear that child is now theirs; refusing to take the children to see my friend, and has made it clear they will be legally adopting them as soon as they can get parental rights terminated. My friend's trial is not until January, and she is worried the estranged family member will be able to go through with her plans if she is found guilty and given even the slightest amount of jail time, due to having 12 months already passed.

    Are there any steps my friend can take to stop this from happening? The Child's Grandmother applied to have the children placed with her, but DHS has supposedly been conducting a "background check" on her for almost six months now.
  • 09-10-2014, 11:26 AM
    Mr. Knowitall
    Re: How to Stop Termination of Parental Rights and Adoption While Parents are in Jail
    Either the children are wards of the court, or they are not. Either they are the subject of child protective proceedings, or they are not. If they are not, then there is no pending action to terminate the parents' rights. If they are, then it simply isn't the case that court proceedings are continuing with no notice to or participation by the parents. We have no way of telling you what is going on -- you have to share the relevant facts with us.

    Help your friend consult a lawyer.
All times are GMT -7. The time now is 02:44 AM.
Powered by vBulletin® Version 4.2.4
Copyright © 2023 vBulletin Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved.
Copyright © 2004 - 2018 ExpertLaw.com, All Rights Reserved