In order for the Juvenile Court to terminate the parental rights of a foster child, the Juvenile Court must find clear and convincing evidence that: 1) The legal parents are unable or unwilling to discharge their responsibilities to the child, and …
What Adoptive Parents Need to Know About Venue in 2026 – The Impact of a Five-Letter Word
Several amendments to Alabama’s Adoption Code became effective on January 1, 2026. Among the sections amended was § 26-10E-4, which addresses venue. For the purpose of adoption proceedings, venue means the legally proper county and court where a …
What Adoptive Parents Need to Know About Venue in 2026 – The Impact of a Five-Letter WordRead More
In Foster Adoption Cases, Can Relative Serve as Simple Pass Through to Parent?
Every foster adoptive parent should be conversant with the phrase "no viable alternatives." It's a clunky combination of words that simple means, "Guys, we don't want to terminate a natural parents rights to their child if there is any other way. If …
In Foster Adoption Cases, Can Relative Serve as Simple Pass Through to Parent?Read More
Preparing Foster and Adoptive Parents For Trial – Alabama 2026
Here is How Foster and Adoptive Parents Should Prepare for Trial This article will address foster and adoptive parents. Specifically, those who are preparing for a trial on behalf of their foster children. Hearings or trials pertaining to child …
Preparing Foster and Adoptive Parents For Trial – Alabama 2026Read More
Foster Children Should Never Be Stuck in Foster Care – Foster Adoptive Parents Have a Powerful Tool
In M.A.J. v. S.F., 994 So.2d 280 (Ala. Civ. App. 2008) the Appellate Court made a remarkable ruling for children in the care of foster adoptive parents. Specifically regarding the 12-month rule: “[a]t some point, ... the child's need for …
Who Will Make This Argument for the Child? Foster and Adoptive Parents
In M.W. v. Houston County Dep't of Human Res., 773 So.2d 484 (Ala. Civ. App. 2000) the Appellate Court explained the principle that the child’s need for permanency must, at some point, take priority over a parent's unsuccessful attempts at …
Who Will Make This Argument for the Child? Foster and Adoptive ParentsRead More
Adoption and Foster Care Wisdom Revisited – Advise from C.J. Brown – Weak and Working
It’s true that nothing in this world has made me feel weaker than being a foster mom. This journey has sanctified me more than I like to admit on most days. Two days before I got the call about June from DHR- I looked at my husband and said, …
Adoption and Foster Care Wisdom Revisited – Advise from C.J. Brown – Weak and WorkingRead More
The Foster and Adoptive Parent’s Testimony at Trial Is Critical for Permanency
Foster Adoptive Parent's Testimony at Trial "[T]he foster mother would not commit to another custodial arrangement other than adoption..." The Alabama Court of Civil Appeals has made it clear - again. If adoptive and foster parents want children …
The Foster and Adoptive Parent’s Testimony at Trial Is Critical for PermanencyRead More
I Wish Every Foster Adoptive Parent Knew This – And Reminded the Court
No one wants to see a child's parental rights be terminated. In an ideal world, every parent is married to the other parent and is able to raise their child. When our not ideal world crashes into a child without a choice, it is incumbent upon the …
I Wish Every Foster Adoptive Parent Knew This – And Reminded the CourtRead More
