I'm afraid CPS is going to take my sister's kid. She is a hypochondriac and today at the doctor tested positive for barbituates and marijuana. Her husband is not a user and takes wonderful care of the child, but is fighting lymphoma.
If CPS should try to put her son in foster care, what are my chances of getting custody? I don't want to lose him to the system, but my husband and I only have a 2 bedroom home and 2 daughters of our own...
My concern is that he will be taken away from us. I feel he's in a bad spot now, but I don't think we could be approved to get custody of him and we can't afford to move to a bigger home. I don't know what I can do for him.
2006-11-03 08:15:58 · 12 answers · asked by Jennifer F 6 in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
I assume she underwent some court-ordered testing that CPS will find out about. ASAP, you should find out what your sister and brother-in-laws preferences are, and then IMMEDIATELY contact a custody lawyer before any other legal action occurs. If at all possible, you should try to get some sort of temp custody BEFORE CPS sends him to foster care.
You and your husband, your sister and brother-in-law, should ideally be on the same page with respect to any action you may take.
Best regards,
2006-11-03 08:26:55 · answer #1 · answered by MrLou 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Wow, this is heartbreaking. The chances of keeping the child in the family may be helped if your sister would voluntarily enter rehab and shows CPS that she is serious about getting things right for her sons sake. You should also let CPS know that you are ready willing and able to take care of your Nephew, the dad should also express his wishes regarding you taking care of him. CPS would rather place a child with a family member than look for foster parents, so your chances are pretty good that they will work with the family.
2006-11-03 17:20:26 · answer #2 · answered by DeltaQueen 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The CPS system is as overloaded as all other systems of the federal government. Given that, when they have an opportunity to put the kid with relatives, they are all for it. That means they don't have to find a bed for the kid themselves. Just make sure you let them know that you are interested in taking custody of the kid. And the other thing I would find out is if you would then be eligible for some type of financial aid. That financial aid might help you afford to live in a bigger house while you are caring for the kid.
2006-11-03 16:50:15 · answer #3 · answered by Sheila V 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you foster your nephew the child welfare agency should give you funds to take care of the child. The child most likely will be entitled to Medicare & possibly other benefits. Speak with CPS & get all the info before you make a decision that you can't help your nephew.
2006-11-03 16:28:35 · answer #4 · answered by ELIZABETH B 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is going to depend on the CPS in your area. Where I come from, CPS REALLY tries to keep children in the family when looking for placement. Your living situation would have to be pretty bad in order for you to not be considered. Don't forget, both your sister and her husband will get a say into where the child goes...if it is even ever taken.
2006-11-03 16:20:12 · answer #5 · answered by brewbum80 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Your chances of getting custody are very good, as long as you do not have an extensive criminal record, or complaints to CPS about yourself. CPS tries to keep children within their family if at all possible.
2006-11-03 16:27:02 · answer #6 · answered by susan w 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You may be surprised, the social workers that interview people in this situation aren't exactly snobs. They speak the same language, understand the problem. When the two-year old runs by and turns on the oven, where you just stored all the plastic bowls to get them out of sight, they may just laugh with yo
u(actually happened). Your job is shutting off the smoke alarm!
2006-11-03 19:28:44 · answer #7 · answered by relaxed 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are family, your chances are actually very good. Contact CPS, and volunteer to take the child into custody.
It is a very noble action of you, and I sincerely hope everything works out.
2006-11-03 18:22:53 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
They will usually call the relitives first to see if they will take care of the child...
Just let them know you will take him....
But I warn you the CPS will go after the parents for child support....
2006-11-03 16:51:22 · answer #9 · answered by TRUE GRIT 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Even if they won't give him to you, there is no reason why you can't visit him and have him come visit you while you are in foster care. He will probably enjoy having the family support.
2006-11-03 18:21:44 · answer #10 · answered by joeanonymous 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋