She was born about a month ago- severely under weight and addicted to methadone.
The DCS had taken over at this point and discovered she had been doing MASSIVE
quantities of cocaine, among other opiate drugs a week up until the baby was born.
My niece just missed going straight to jail because the methadone was the only drug that showed up
in the babies blood, and it had been physician ordered.
She has screamed in agony from the withdrawal medically supervised and DCS set up
a wonderful family meeting that included call in lines for out of state family members
to join in the intervention discussion- the lady handling the case is a whiz- truly.
Well after about two hours, the father said, I want to go to rehab- right now!
Everyone was thrilled...after a few of the usual excuses as to why my niece couldn't go,
she too, agreed to go.
The case worker immediately began setting up intakes for both of them that and it
appeared to be a done deal.
It was explained to my niece that this move was the BEST way to assure she could
get custody of the baby later, when she was well enough to take care of the child.
Well, every one went out to the parking lot, ready to help the couple get over to
the rehabs that had agreed to take them. The young father got in the car with my niece
who promptly raced out of the parking lot leaving everyone standing there with their jaws
on the ground. The couple returned to their apartment, turned off their phones and
refused to answer the door.
At this point, the DCS case manager started the legal motion for my sister to
be given custody.
She signed the papers Thursday and we are all thrilled.
I don't think my niece actually wants the baby; she would interfere with her lifestyle.
So my sister and everyone else is THRILLED that it worked out this way.
My sister never married, always wanted a child, has a good job, a beautiful home
and an amazing support system of friends and family, myself included.
The baby is still hospitalized and will remain so for at least three more weeks.
In the meantime, there is a beautiful nursery being put together at my sister's house,
I just bought a ton of BEAUTIFUL, like new, clothes and shoes etc at a local consignment shop...that I will be mailing tomorrow.
I have talked to my niece and told her I pray she doesn't wake up in ten years and realize what
she lost, but maybe that will be the very thing that provides her "moment of clarity" and sets her
on a road to recovery.
The couple will be allowed 1 hour visits, once a week, supervised and that is all until a
judge says otherwise.
I am so happy for my sister, and weep for my niece.
You see she lost another child ten years ago to the system; at least this one
will be staying in our family in a loving home.
My sister is SO in love with the baby, who she rocks for hours and hours, even after
working 10 hour days.
The baby recognizes her voice and they have bonded.
I can't wait to go out and help!
I miss having a baby since mine is all grown up.
Just wanted to update every one and thank you again for helping me walk this
journey. I know I was never alone and that is why I love my DU family too.
BHN
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