Ok, this child(she is 14) has been friends with my daughter since they were 2. She is having alot of problems at home i.e. father has moments of rage and has lashed out at the mother physically also has to the children a couple of times. He was court ordered to go through anger management last year which he completed but still has rages. The mother used to do drugs and now has serious mental problems, is verbally abusive. The kid had been a cutter, got involved in drugs and drinking to runaway from the stress. For a year now she has not lived with her parents but instead has been bouncing back and forth from each of her grandparents homes. She wants to live with me and we have agreed it would be good for her and her parents are starting too as well. How do I go about getting guardianship so that I can enroll her in school, take her to doctor's if needed, etc..etc.
I don't want to take her parents rights away & want the child to have contact with parents while they seek help.
2006-07-12 03:57:08 · 12 answers · asked by curiousgeorgey 3 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
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2006-07-19 00:24:34 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know what state you are in and I'm sure each one is different. That said the first thing you have to do is go through the court, call the probate department at your city hall and ask them the procedures for getting temporary guardianship. Another thing you might try is to call your local Department of Social Services and just ask them the question in general, they should be able to give you the information (if you don't want to involve them then do it anonymously) and they may also be able to help in regards to making sure the child has medical coverage etc.
The immediate fix is however to have a letter written by the parents giving you permission to act on their child's behalf, have it notarized. For example if the child needed emergency care at a hospital etc you could have the letter with you and you should be OK for the short term. You could also check with your lawyer or if you don't have one call a legal clinic in your area and ask them the particulars regarding your case. If they are not Child Advocates they should be able to give you the name of someone who is.
You are doing a wonderful thing for this child, count to ten slowly and hang on for the ride. Good Luck.
2006-07-12 11:08:08 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Check and see what the laws are in your state. Some states alow children at the age of 14 to make decisions as to who they wish to live with. Her parents should also be able to sign over guardianship to you, assuming that they have custody still and that the grandparents don't. I'm sure that she has a social worker through child protective or another agency, why don't you try contacting them and see if they have some advice for youl.
2006-07-12 11:04:07 · answer #3 · answered by Krissy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You'll need to do two things.
1. Get some legal advice. If cost is an issue I believe the child qualifies for free or reduced fees court appointed representation to ensure her rights/needs are addressed.
2. The child also needs some counselling to help her deal with her homelife issues.
Bless you for taking this situation on. Not many people would reach out knowing what lays ahead.
2006-07-12 11:13:40 · answer #4 · answered by baciandrio 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's pretty easy actually. Since you are not seeking any termination of rights of the biological parents, you can just type your own letter which states that both parents have given consent granting custodian rights to you. I would be specific and list all medical, educational, powers etc. Next, you'll need to get the document notarized. Then contact the school district and find out what else you may need. That's it.
2006-07-12 11:04:20 · answer #5 · answered by Mick 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Since the child is under 18 you should pursue this matter in the juvenile court of the county you live in. Look up the procedures for going to juvenile court to have a child declared a "dependent child" in your state's juvenile statutes.
Consult an attorney dealing in family law.
2006-07-12 12:34:39 · answer #6 · answered by bestanswer 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
start with the county buildings. most time, all you need is the parents granting temporary custody in writing, and getting it notrized at your local bank. after that it would be cetcuit court. good luck. it can be hard if any parties object to it.
2006-07-12 11:01:35 · answer #7 · answered by jh_smith_jr 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
COntact you equivalent of DCFS to report the parents, and offer to serve as guardian or foster parent. Be prepared for backlash from the parents.
2006-07-12 11:00:27 · answer #8 · answered by Mr. October 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if this is what the girl really wants and needs and both of her parents agree--contact an attorney and it should be no problem--but make sure (you )are ready for this!!!! make sure all the "t"'s are crossed and the (i's) dotted-- it sounds like you are a really GOOD friend
2006-07-12 11:03:59 · answer #9 · answered by kids 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can file for guardianship if her parents will sign. Contact the county courthouse and they can tell you how to go about it.
2006-07-12 11:00:06 · answer #10 · answered by Justsyd 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋