We are looking at an entire series of issues in this case. I can't speak to most of them, having neither the particulars, the knowledge, or the background and experience needed to make any kind of substantive statement. There are two issues here where I do feel I am as qualified and knowledgeable as most and do have that particular expertise. I have addressed both in previous posts.

On the issue of the abuse itself, that level of abuse occurs hundreds of times a day across the U.S. This doesn't make it right by any means but in most cases like this one, the abusive parent is generally sentenced to something, but jail isn't often a part of it. When a parent admits their need and is willing to adhere to a strictly managed case plan, a three month agreement as to treatment and whatever else is mandated is entered and then the case is reviewed at the three month or six month time and matter of the child(ren) is determined at that time. For many of you I know this sounds lenient, but I have seen it work well as I have also seen it fail miserably. Perhaps you need to understand that under any Temporary Custody agreement a parent's rights to the decisions made in the rearing of the child(ren) are not relinquished. In the overwhelming majority, the rights of the parents are used to keep the parent involved, even get them more involved, in the parenting process. Folks, foster parents cannot even get the kid a haircut without the permission of the parent(s).

The other issue here is the placement of the child which I have addressed extensively in previous posts. Emergency placement is just that......placement in an emergency, and should last no longer than two weeks at which point a suitable longer term placement should have been found. As I have said before, relative placement is always the first option and offers the best and least traumatic situation for the child. I am fearful here that Indiana is not looking in that direction for other reasons. I don't know. What I do know is that this is a case needing a CASA if I ever saw one.

Spaw