Hi Painter....
I was thinking how much easier this would be on you if you
had CPS backup (although it can be a pain). Their goal is
to reunite the child with the parents.
I raised my 3 year old granddaughter for a year thru CPS and there were mandatory supervised visits twice a week with her Mom.
I was also ordered to take her to see her father (my son) in jail once a month. She also missed her Mom and Dad and cried for them. What I realized was once she had her "need" met and her fears calmed that
her parents were indeed still around, she was content to go back
home with Gramma.
At first they had me supervising the visits here at my house and it
didn't work out. She took advantage, came over under the
influence and expected to see her whenever she wanted. I had to tell
them and the visiting here stopped. When this happened she
realized that she could indeed lose her forever, checked
herself into rehab and has regained custody.
There are just no easy answers and every child is different.
I just kinda wanted to give you another side. I wish you had someone
to help you with this so it wasn't all on your shoulders.
It's so hard when there are kids involved.
Hugs to you.