Scale of Texas' tough task unprecedented

At the hearing a guardian ad litem attorney is appointed for the child. Nebeker said a guardian ad litem's role is dual. The attorney must listen to the child's desires but also must give an opinion to the court on what he or she believes is in the best interest of that child.

When children are taken they can be placed in a shelter home or a foster home. A shelter home is typically a home for temporary stays and where adults have no intention of adopting.

Foster homes are geared toward more extended stays to give the child's parents time to make improvements. Unlike shelter homes, foster homes can mean that foster parents may be able to adopt the child if the parents are not able to care for him or her, Nebeker said.

Utah Foster Care Foundation, which finds, trains and supports families who care for Utah's foster children, said the most important attribute foster parents in Texas can have is a calm, tolerant attitude with the children they are taking in.

They may have different beliefs and appearance, but being kind and loving to the children involved is most important right now, said Debra Lindner, community relations manager.

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E-mail: jthalman@desnews.com; gfattah@desnews.com