As many of you read in the first part of this blog, well, there was never supposed to be a Part 2. At the conclusion of what is now Part 1, I was so happy because CPS had called and said that the case was closed, and that even though I still had one home visit scheduled, it was because the school year wasn't quite over, and they believed that the school was biased against me, and wanted to make sure I had support if they gave me any more problems. They told me that everything was voluntary, and that the case was closed. Whew! What a relief. When that home visit came however, everything changed. The lady that came asked me if I had ever taken my son to a therapist...I told her no, because since the school backed off, my sons learning curve had taken a great turn, and that since the whole point of the therapist was to get the school to test him for a learning disability, I didn't see the point. Plus, I was told it was voluntary. I was by now on bed rest, so it was difficult to arrange to take him anyway. She then informed me that yes, it was voluntary, as long as I did it...otherwise she would take me to court, and either have my child removed, or have me court ordered to do it. And starting the next week, I was to have a family therapist in my home 2-3 days a week, and the whole family needed to be part of this. I asked her why? and she told me because she wasn't so sure there was no abuse, and as long as I did what she said it was voluntary, but if I didn't, we would go to court. I told her that there was no abuse found, and by now, my kids were upset, and if she did anything to endanger the mental well being of my kids, I would hire a lawyer. I told her that I hadn't moved to this state and suddenly started abusing one of my two kids, that didn't even make sense! She rudely told me that no one had twisted my arm and made me move here. I was so upset when she left! Which, when you are on bed rest as six months pregnant, is not a good place to be. Not having a lot of money, since I am unable to work at this time, and relying on my fiancees income, and shortly my unemployment I didn't know what to do, or how to find an attorney. I finally posted an ad on craigslist for legal advice. I got better than that, I got an attorney. He offered to take my case, not as my lawyer, but as my kids' lawyer. This way his interest was in the best interest of the child, and the risk....if he felt that my kids were endangered, he would make sure that they were kept safely away from me. Well, this wasn't even a question, we hired him. He worked on my case for a few days before I was even able to pay him. He doesn't bill by the hour, and has been wonderful with my kids. He came and talked to them, and then started making phone calls. On our last conversation, he told me that I have two options, I can either play nice with CPS to a certain extent to avoid court, and tell them that someone can come to my home once a week for 4 weeks, and if no abuse is found, that they have to leave me alone. Or I can tell them to go away, and take me to court. He said he is willing to bet that it would never make it to court because there is no sign of abuse. He has spent time with the kids, and they are happy and well adjusted. So, now, I have a few days to decide what to do. I want to avoid court, because seriously...who wants to go that route. But at the same time, I really don't want a Family Therapist in my home 1-3 times per week. It confuses my kids, my daughter has told me straight up she doesn't like the CPS lady because she asks her questions 'that don't make sense and confuse me!'. So, I will think about it over the weekend and decide on Monday I suppose. And advise you would like to leave in the comment section will be welcomed.

And yes, there will be a Part 3 now, as hopefully a conclusion to this frustrating time in my families life!!