If the County is investigating your abilities to safely parent your baby, it is important that you cooperate with them. Answer their calls, keep appointments, and be on time for court. If a foster care case is opened on your baby, request that you and your baby be kept in the same placement.
Actions speak louder than words. Follow your case plan, which details all the things the social worker and/or the judge tell you to do to keep your baby or get your baby back. Even if you don’t like how you are being treated, if the court orders anger management, drug counseling, or parenting classes, etc…take them. If you don’t know where to find the classes, ask your social worker and lawyer for help. You can also call 211 and ask for services near where you live.
Make sure you know who your lawyer is and that you have their phone number and email so you can keep in touch with them on a regular basis. The more information they have from you about things you are concerned about and what is going on in your life, the easier it will be for them to help you get what you need. Follow your case plan even if you don’t like how you are being treated.
Watch what you put on social media and what other people post involving you.
Be organized – keep a notebook with all your court related documents and appointments. Write down the names and numbers of people you speak to at the County or other agencies regarding your case, the date of the conversation, and what they tell you.
Be prepared for visits with your child by having appropriate toys and thinking about how you want to spend your time together. Avoid using your phone or being on the internet while you are with your baby.
Using drugs or alcohol will make it harder for you to get your baby back.
If you have been told not to have contact with certain people, don’t. If you do, it will make it harder to get your baby back.
Know the people and places that can help you.
Know Your Rights