I want to adopt my younger brother. Is it possible? How do I go about it?

Question

It's been three years since my family has fallen apart. My parents divorced after practically being told that if they didn't, they could never have custody of any of their four children. I'm the oldest of four children, and while my younger sisters are well cared for by both mom and dad, my brother is an entirely different story.

He's always been a troublemaker, and is used to having everything he wants. He went into foster care, and my mother fought for custody of him. He was eventually placed back in the house with us, and we thought everything would be fine. I later left my mother's house, and I now live miles away from any family. My mother and I do not get along.

Recently, my mother contacted me and told me my brother was probably going back to Orangewood. He had been living with another family, and I can't get any information from either my mother, or the family he had been staying with.

So now, I want to adopt him, and have him live with me. Is it possible? Help!

Answer 1

I don't think adoption is what you are looking for. Guardianship is where you may want to go with this. If you are old enough and have a stable work history with a decent income you should look into this scenario. If your brother is ok with this and you can control his wicked was maybe you should approach Family Services or whatever agency is overseeing your brother's welfare and ask the about being his legal guardian.
It's worth a shot.

Answer 2

I hope you really think this through. I know he's your brother and all, but do you need this? He must be in all sorts of trouble. Is he into drugs? Can you afford to take off work or school to attend all his hearings? That means courtroom, social workers, police, school, etc. Also, do you have the money for a lawyer? That's the only way you can get anywhere. Have you tried talking to his social worker? She/He would be a great starting point in deciding what to do. They are familiar with you and your brother and his various problems. (At least they should be) You didn't say where dad is. How about talking to him? Good luck with this, and God Bless you for caring. Just understand that you alone may not be able to save him. If you do get custody, hold those reins tight, and don't let him walk all over you.

Answer 3

The first step is to contact either Child Welfare or Juvenile Probation, whichever agency is working with him. Let them know what you want to do, and that there are problems in the home.. that he's not living there, and may possibly be going to a group home. If they feel your home would be a better place for him (and placing with qualified family is always preferable), they will allow you to "foster" parent him. It's an in-family foster placement. From there, you can gain temporary guardianship...

Good luck!

Answer 4

Possible yes depending on your age and whether the court finds you competent. Look into it stock up on information and facts you're going to have to show that you can take care of him provide the things he needs and a stable enviroment often courts would prefer to place family together anyways. Just look up on the laws, go to the courthouse and when you go in for a court date you will have everything prepared and better yet have knowledge on it or they may not even have a court case depending on the age you are. Good luck and I hope it works out for you I applaud you for wanting to do this and help your brother, if he is a trouble maker as you say it will probably be better for him to be with family then getting lost in the endless cycle of foster homes

Answer 5

Hi there! I did some investigating for you, well, my mom is a Social Worker in CA.
Call Social Services or the D.A. (District Attorney). I know it sounds scary, but you can do it!! Ask them if they can find where your family is and where the records are for your brother. Tell the Social Service worker your name and your brother's name. Tell them that you would like to have GUARDIANSHIP of your brother.
They will investigate your situation (home, job, your lifestyle background.)
If he was being placed in long term foster care, or a group home the State, or County, might be interested in a permanent placement with a relative, like yourself. I think that you have a good chance! :)

Answer 6

It is not impossible to adopt him, but I would encourage you to try fostering him first to see how that goes before you go through the process of adopting him. To foster, just contact your local human services agency and ask how to become a licensed foster parent. Until you adopt him, you could get a subsidy from the government to help you pay for his needs and if you do not need the subsidy, you could put it into a savings account for him to get later.

Answer 7

You could contact his caseworker. They are usually looking out for the child's best interests right? Also talk to your brother if you get the chance. Being that he is living in the situation he might know who can help you. Another option, contact a lawyer who specializes in family law.

Answer 8

You could probably file for custody for him, but I really doubt if you could adopt him. I would get some legal advice on it; usually a first consultation is free.

Answer 9

Contact Family Services and ask them for their assistance. They will need to verify if you have a viable source of income and an appropriate place for him to live with you. You may also need a lawyer to assisty you with this process, to force them to push it along.

Answer 10

You cannot adopt him but if your parents still have their parental rights of him they can emancipate him as long as your over 21 and willing to sign for legal guardianship over him.
-NmD!