Help keep these siblings together.
Donation protected
I became a foster mother in 2010. I picked up my first substance abused foster baby from the hospital when he was 7 days old. I nurtured, loved, and weaned him to good health. By God's grace, I was able to adopt him 15 months later. Fast forward to January 2015, I received a call from Social Services, stating that Child Protective Services had removed his 9 week old biological brother who was also substance abused. They asked if I would be willing to take him as an adoptive placement since I had adopted his biological brother. I agreed without hesitation, because this would allow them to grow up together. Also Social Services was extremely pleased with my love and commitment that I had shown during detoxing and rehabilitating prior drug addicted foster babies in my home.
After 1 1/2 years of bonding emotionally as biological brothers, then came the heart breaking blow from Social Services. They recanted their life goal decision for the child. Stating that I did not have any legal rights to this child other than JUST being his foster mother. At that time, I obtained legal counsel and was advised that I had EVERY RIGHT to petition for full custody. I legally petitioned the courts for adoption on 11/4/15. I was awarded custody by the judge and immediately after court, I was fired by Social Services, because I went against their wishes by trying to keep the brothers together. We have had numerous appeals from Social Services to revoke the judges decision. Because of these appeals, I have escalating legal fees. Let me add, that I am a single mom raising these 2 boys without government assistance and I work 2 jobs just to survive.
I have a fast approaching last chance at full custody case. With prayer warriors on my side and emotional support from family and friends, that does not pay the legal fees. I never dreamed that I would be making a heart wrenching plea like this as pride stands in my way. However, I could not live with my self if the only thing stopping me was my pride and lack of money. I pray constantly to keep my family together and ask for your prayers and support. I know God placed these babies in my home not for them to just be taken away. God has opened doors that Social Services has tried to close. My friends have mentioned to me this Go Fund Me page and this is my last ditch effort to keep these brothers together in the only home and mommy they have ever known.
After 1 1/2 years of bonding emotionally as biological brothers, then came the heart breaking blow from Social Services. They recanted their life goal decision for the child. Stating that I did not have any legal rights to this child other than JUST being his foster mother. At that time, I obtained legal counsel and was advised that I had EVERY RIGHT to petition for full custody. I legally petitioned the courts for adoption on 11/4/15. I was awarded custody by the judge and immediately after court, I was fired by Social Services, because I went against their wishes by trying to keep the brothers together. We have had numerous appeals from Social Services to revoke the judges decision. Because of these appeals, I have escalating legal fees. Let me add, that I am a single mom raising these 2 boys without government assistance and I work 2 jobs just to survive.
I have a fast approaching last chance at full custody case. With prayer warriors on my side and emotional support from family and friends, that does not pay the legal fees. I never dreamed that I would be making a heart wrenching plea like this as pride stands in my way. However, I could not live with my self if the only thing stopping me was my pride and lack of money. I pray constantly to keep my family together and ask for your prayers and support. I know God placed these babies in my home not for them to just be taken away. God has opened doors that Social Services has tried to close. My friends have mentioned to me this Go Fund Me page and this is my last ditch effort to keep these brothers together in the only home and mommy they have ever known.
Organizer
SHANNON NICHOLSON
Organizer
Chesapeake, VA