February 15, 2008

Aside from an ear infection a 2-month old baby boy kidnapped last month by his biological parents, appears to be doing just fine, now that he's been returned to foster care. That was part of testimony in a CPS court hearing today. But where exactly, little Solomon Vandiver will end up is still in limbo. It has been an emotional tug of war for all concerned.

So far in Solomon's short life, he's had more drama than most of us will encounter in a lifetime. His mother, according to court papers, is an admitted drug addict. She gave birth to Solomon on Christmas Eve. He has tested positive for cocaine. Reportedly, his parents are homeless.

32 year old Cynthia Morse, and 33 year old Ronald Vandiver aren't facing any criminal charges in the kidnapping of their child. Morse has hired an attorney. According to CPS, in mid-January Solomon was taken during a supervised visit at a Corpus Christi restaurant.

Childrens Protective Services reports that Solomon was placed in foster care after the baby and his mother tested positive for cocaine. A clerk in Tucson, Arizona apparently recognized Morse, and Vandiver from their pictures posted on various websites, like the one for The Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

At Friday's hearing, Morse and Vandiver were not present. But Solomon's original foster mom was there. She didn't want to go on camera, but her many friends who were there for moral support agreed to speak with us. Amanda Pflughaupt and Jana Pinson both told us about a little boy who's melted a lot of hearts.

"When we first saw him he had an IV coming out of his head because they were having to treat him. He was in the hospital for 7 days before he got to come home," says Pinson.

The women tell us their friends know little Solomon may have further complications down the road.

"They're willing to love him for however long they're allowed to," says Pflughaupt.

The original foster mother spoke before Judge Carl Lewis and said she's willing to take care of Solomon indefinitely. She told the judge she was devastated that during a supervised visit at a pizza restaurant the child was kidnapped by his biological parents. She supports CPS's goal of biological family unification, but expressed a need to make sure the baby is safe before being returned to them.

The original foster parents have to undergo a CPS home study, and a background check, and then it might be possible for them to take care of Solomon.

The couple was not required to make an appearance during Friday's hearing. Judge Carl Lewis said that until the couple appears in court he won't allow visitation, even the supervised kind at CPS headquarters. Another court hearing is scheduled for next month.