Grandparent rights/adoption

[Kathe]

i am in the state of oregon. my grandchild is in foster care at this time, her social worker has informed me that i have no visitation rights and i am not eligible to adopt her. what are my options and/or rights?

 

[bobandjess99]

I don't know about Oregon, but I am a social worker in IN, and here we try to get a family member to adopt before foster care is sought. The exceptions would be if you were somehow considered unfit or a part of the problem. The other case would be if your grandchild was in need of what we call a "treatment" foster home. This is a court ordered placemenmt with a family who is trained to help the child deal with issues, such as abuse or psychological disorders, such as depression or bipolar.
If your grandchild is basically healthy, and you are an upstanding citizen, then you should have the child, and you have rights and options. Can you give me more info?? I'll try to help.
Jess

 

[kat1963]

They are right, you don't have any rights however you can FIGHT FOR THEM. Your best bet is get a lawyer. He probably file a *motion to intervene* on your behalf. If you can't afford one, file it yourself. In addition, it sounds like they are planning on giving you a hard time, so be prepared for possible home study, background check and who knows what other hurtles they will run you thru. Please be aware (I'm not sure if this was overturned or not) but after 15 months in foster care, adoption is likely (federal $$ involved for them). So time is of the essence. File immediately and do not be intimidated!!! Try
CPSwatch for information that could be helpful to you.

Good Luck.

KAT