Excellent post @silverlady.
We were foster parents for several years and while this case is in the extreme, this kind of home is very, very common. In fact, that’s how my (adopted from foster care) daughter came back to our home after initially being placed for domestic abuse (dad punched mom). During a follow-up appointment by DCFS (called DHR here), the home was found to be uninhabitable, with animal feces, food remains and other trash, etc., throughout the home. And yes, there was a huge TV and multiple game consoles.
I think the tide is changing regarding keeping the family together vs. best interest of the child. A few years ago our county instituted new deadlines regarding parent rehabilitation/recovery/training. They now have 18 months from the time the child is removed. No ifs, ands, or buts. If they don’t straighten up, their rights are terminated.
This works very well when the children are young. I do, however, feel for the older children. As horrible as it is, these are the only parents they’ve ever known.
One more thing to consider is that only the judges can make decisions about the removal of a child. DCFS is at their mercy. Social workers can document and request until the cows come home, but the judge makes the final decision. Some judges feel very strongly about keeping the nuclear biological family intact (especially the older ones).
Glad to hear your grandkids are happy and safe, @silverlady.