UNDER CONSTRUCTION
grounds for termination of parental rights -- statutes & caselaw
"camel-nosing" getting help, staying clean, staying out of trouble
"Your Honor, I want to thank you for ordering me into treatment.
"I didn't want to go. I was angry that I was being forced to go. I started out with a bad attitude. I didn't think I deserved to be there with those other guys; I didn't think I was one of them.
"But after a while, I started listening to them, and I realized I did belong there, I was one of them. I was shocked, but it was good for me; I needed it.
"I started thinking about my life, and how I needed to change, and I how could change. I started listening to my counselor, and he/she helped me. And I learned from the other guys. And I did change.
"I'm a new man now, a different man than the man I was when you ordered me into treatment.
"And I'm glad; I like the new me; I'm glad I changed.
"And I owe you, Your Honor; that's why I'm standing here thanking you.
"I want more than anything else to spend more time with my kid(s). But I'm not asking you for anything specific, Your Honor. I trust you, Your Honor. I know you'll do the right thing, for me and for my kid(s).
"Thank you, Your Honor."