How do I get custody of my two nieces?
Question by Elizabeth: How do I get custody of my two nieces?
I live in California. My two nieces are being neglected by their mother. Currently they are living in a Motel and their Mom is strung out on methamphetamine. Child protective Services are involved but they are giving her chance after chance to fix the problem. She doesn’t see that there is a problem. The girls are about 7 and 9. Their dad ( my brother in law) is at his Witt’s end. They are separated and he lives with a few roommates. He is an alcoholic and does not think he can fully take care of the girls himself. He recently said that he would like my husband and I to take the girls but that the mother would NOT allow it because she would no longer receive welfare benefits. What do I do? I am too the point where I think I should just pick the girls up and not bring them “home”. Is there a way to get in touch with the social worker in the case so that I may notify them that I am willing to take custody of these children? Can I file for emergency custody through the courts? I really do not know my options but I do know that if I do not step in the girls will suffer further. I know this is not an example of abuse but this weekend the girls showed up with dyed hair and fake tattoos on AGE 7 AND 9 !!!!! . Their Mom is teaching them to become trailer trash and they don’t deserve that. There is legitimate abuse occurring but the dyed hair just gets my goat.
Best answer:
Answer by aloha.girl59
Are you serious? You think that fake tattoos are child abuse? Better call CPS on me right now then!
Sorry, but I don’t buy this. You seem to know all kinds of details about your sister (sister-in-law?) but don’t even know your nieces’ ages for sure? You said they’re “about 7 and 9.” I know my nephews’ and niece’s birthdates by heart. To not even know for sure how old they are yet knowing all kinds of other details (like the kinds of drugs your sister/SIL takes, etc.) screams “troll” to me.
I seriously doubt that CPS would allow children to live with a strung out mother time and time again. Yes, their goal is supposedly to keep families together, but if the parent(s) are using drugs, the children are usually removed from the home immediately and a case plan is established for the parents to follow so they can get clean and get their kids back.
Add your own answer in the comments!