DH and BM went to court last week. It lasted all day, as BM had several "character" witnesses. Also, she requested that SD13 talk to the judge so she could detail the abuse that she claims happened at our house. The judge did not allow that request, as it was determined in the original hearing that the abuse allegations were false. She did allow BM to tell about all the changes that she has made. Her social worker was also present.

The outcome was not what we were hoping. SD13 is going to continue living with BM in her house, but she has to continue going to a special school and getting therapy. BM is under a plan from CPS where they are in her house every week and meet with the kids. She is apparently following the plan and also has been granted visitation with her kids that are not DH's.

The biggest issue was how much contact she should be given with SD11. It was decided that the BM will be granted some visitation time with her. The judge agreed that the whole summer was not a viable option right now. She also wanted to limit BM's influence in our household so she put a limit on phone contact, as well.

BM is allowed to call SD11 three times a week for 10 minutes. She is also allowed to have her one week at Thanksgiving each year and one week at Christmas. In the summer, she is allowed to see SD11 for one week in June and one week in August. BM is responsible for all the travel costs. She is also allowed to visit SD for one week in our home state, as long as she gives us a month's notice and provides where she will be staying. She is not allowed to take her out of the state at any time except Christmas, Thanskgiving, and two weeks in the summer.

The judge also gave her a stern warning that she will yank this visitation if there are any problems. BM really tried to get out of this by claiming she has a myriad of health problems. She asked for child support for SD13, but that was refused since DH is paying for all of SD11's care and is covering all of SD13'S psychiatric care (which has been expensive).

I guess we will wait to see what impact this has on SD11. She had finally started to get back on track. She seemed nervous about talking to her mom, but I am sure she was excited. I just hope BM can keep it together. I don't want to watch SD11 go through this mess again. Hearing her cry herself to sleep at night was one of the hardest things I ever had to go through.