The unimaginable heartbreak of losing custody of one’s children can feel like the end of the world. A court order seems so final, and if Texas Child Protective Services is involved, it is easy for parents to conclude they have lost their children forever. However, this may not be the case. Instead of giving up after losing custody, a better move is to evaluate what went wrong and make a plan to set things right.
Why did this happen?
For some parents, it is clear why a judge ruled against them and removed children from their custody. If a parent has been abusive to the child, abuses drugs or alcohol, or has failed to maintain an active role in the child’s life, the court will act in the child’s best interest. Other parents face the unfair, false accusations of an embittered ex-partner, and this can be particularly upsetting. Nevertheless, taking an objective look at one’s situation is the first step to potentially regaining custody.
Forging a positive path
Once a parent has a clear picture of the factors working against him or her, it is time to address those issues. This may take some time, so the parent should be diligent and patient. For some, this might include one or more of the following:
- Drug or alcohol treatment
- Anger management counseling
- Stable employment
- Safer housing
- Parenting classes
- A home evaluation
Some parents also have court orders to follow, including visitation rules. Cooperating with these orders is critical for showing that the parent is seeking the best interests of the child. The parent should keep careful records to show the court evidence of his or her efforts. The parent can also learn more about regaining child custody by meeting with legal counsel for sound advice and guidance.