I am asking advice for an acquaintance. So, I don't have all the details - I will answer any questions I can in order to get him some advice... For obvious reasons, I'm not going to use any names.

The bio-father of the child lives in NC.
His daughter (now 5 years old) lived with her bio-mother in Florida.
He visits his daughter regularly and his step-children have a relationship with her also. (How regularly I do not know).

The little girl was molested and violently beaten by the mothers boyfriend. The boyfriend is on the run from the law. Social Services came and removed the daughter from the home. Dad was informed (by whom I'm not sure).

He went down immediately. He visited his daughter (who is in foster care). He said she seemed ok (was still bruised badly though). He was not allowed to bring her home to NC and a court date was established to determine (??temporary custody??).

He was put in touch with the local social services dept. and told he will need to submit to a home inspection, etc. before they will allow him to bring her from Florida to NC. (Sounds like the guidelines for foster parents becoming licensed, or step parents adopting - having to do two home inspections and an investigation) ???? He was told this process usually takes 6 months.

His court date is March 10.

Is there anything he can do to speed up getting his daughter home?

He was injured at his job, recently had back surgery. He is currently not working due to recovery from surgery (probably for another 3 months). His wife works full time. Obviously, funds are tight. Hiring a lawyer is probably going to be difficult. I want to tell him anything that might help him, as I know his heart is broken over this entire situation.... not being able to be there for his daughter.

Thank you,
Amy

I am not sure if this helps but I can relate to this situation a little bit. My step-son was living with his mother and due to many mental illnesses and chemical dependency issues she neglected him and emotionally abuse him. Social Services removed him from her home and he was placed with her step-mother and father at an EPH hearing temporarly with the intent to place him with his father while we were being investigated and evaluated to see if we were "fit" enough to provide for him. This process only took about two weeks and he came to stay with us. In the county that I reside in the social service agencies always want to place the children with a competant father first before foster care because this is the most normal routine for the child and usually in the childs best interests. Usually in a protection case the children have a GAL, if one has been appointed this is the person that can most help your friend if he is what is best for his daughter. They represent the childs best interest in the eyes of a judge and they maybe able to help your friend speed up the process and at least in Minnesota if one is appointed in a protection case involving minors they are free. Our GAL was great and helped our case a lot, we ended up receiving sole physical custody of my step-son. I would say that if the girl does not have a GAL, he should request one on the 10th.

Thank you that does help. I'm not sure if she has one or if he is aware that he should request one.

God bless you,
Amy