The petition for a best interests hearing was recently denied by the NC courts, even though this is required by both states for adoptions and was NEVER done in FL. The judge who unlawfully signed off on the final order of adoption said it was in the best interests of the twins. This was the same judge who presided over the trial and has many undeclared conflicts of interest with opposing counsel and the respondents.

A best interest hearing is the opportunity that the court has to consider the legal presumptions in favor of granting an adoption to certain individuals, and to likewise consider all statutory and case law relevant factors, both in favor of as well as mitigating against the directing that an adoption be completed.

Now what is in the best interest of the children?

Ultimately, the risk of trauma from a change in residence and custody will be less than the lifelong trauma of being separated from their mother. There will no doubt be an emotional burden of confusion and anger surrounding why and how their bond with their mother was severed by the Needhams, why the Needhams refused to return the children to their mother who obviously wanted them, and why the Needhams pursued litigation to the devastation of all involved. Further, it will be difficult to resolve their inevitable feelings of loss and abandonment after being abruptly taken from their loving mother five weeks after birth.

I am a fit parent and very committed to parenting my twins. A momentary lapse in my ability to think due to medical issues and sleep deprivation are the only reasons the consent was signed. It was never what I wanted or intended. I will never understand why they refused to return my children when they knew I was so ill and not competent.

A gradual transition back to my care may cause some minor confusion initially, but it will resolve quickly and they will redevelop their close bond with me. I saw this with John's granddaughter who came to live with me at age 4 in 2000. (John is the Needhams' cousin) She almost immediately bonded with me and her behavior improved dramatically, as did her academics. My children will feel secure and content with the familiar touch and care of their earliest days.

The least restrictive and psychologically damaging placement long-term would be with their mother.

Visitation as defined by the Open Adoption Agreement will likely create more confusion than security, causing the twins to question their relationship with the Needhams and creating conflicting emotions about their relationship with me.

The Needhams allowed involvement of press when I went to Canada. This could have been kept a private matter. They sent the authorities after me immediately, without even an opportunity to negotiate. I traveled legally under my own name, it was easy to find me. I did not send the authorities after them when they stood me up - more than once. Thus, it is unavoidable that the twins will some day know the details of these egregious events.

I pray every day that the courts will reconcile this nightmare for the sake of my children. I love them more than words can say. Time has not changed my dream to be their mother, and I pray they will be returned to me before the damage is irrecoverable.