Court.....again

One of our little guys has court this week. It has been postponed 3 times. If we get a final decision, it could open the door for us to finally pursue adoption (please don't think I am against reunification in all cases-DFS has been working this one for over 2 1/2 years). He has been a part of our family for 2 1/2 years. Our judge seems very nice. I have attended every hearing our children have had. But, I sometimes question the training they receive before taking a bench that deals with children who have been abused and/or neglected. Children who are suddenly removed from the only (even though unhealthy) home they have known and then many times they face multiple moves throughout their time in foster care. I would like to see a requirment that our Juv court judges attend STARS and Spalding adoption training along with instruction in bonding, attachment, RAD, etc. I've always wanted to ask our judges (and in 7 years we have had several) what preperation-beyond an understanding of the law, did they recieve to equip them to make the best decisions for children in care. During our next campaign/election time, I would like the opportunity to ask our potential judges. Most people know little to nothing about the candidates before they go vote. This is sad considering the decisions they make will influence little lives and our communities for years to come. I think I may have to do a little more investigation into when our next election is and who are the possibly candidates. I do understand this is not an easy job. A friend who is a judge shared that to him signing a TPR is as serious as issuing the death penalty.