GRANDPARENTS RAISING GRANDCHILDREN

[walk softly]

We're in our second year of raising 5 grandchildren from 17 - 5 and have seen it all. In our state, unless you're a licensed foster parent, the state may provide some funds, but you cannot receive foster parent payment. Let's see, the difference between $150 per child vs $900 per child. But money is not the issue here. We are 65, living on pension and SS disability. We've taken our kids into our home, a single wide mobile home, and we've provided structure, security and lots of love. These are great kids, but all suffer from some type of mental problems due to mom's drug use, including sexual abuse, physical abuse and neglect. The oldest has spent almost 4 years in institutions for her "bad" behavior. Of course, Department of Human Services who have custody of the children were unaware of mom's drug habit, didn't realize that "home" was really a crack house, that utilities were shut off, or kids were hungry. The governor of our state finally intervened before the kids were removed temporarily from mom. And now the greatest injustice of all - DHS mission of reuniting the family at whatever cost. And after spending $1,000's on lawyers etc,and even winning the right to intervene through the court, Grandpa and I have no rights again. We are considered babysitters and the department and mom call all the shots and our concerns re the kids go unheard. Is there anyone out there going through this, have you found any advocacy group that can help you? We need some help here - fast.

[jaysunb]

1. what State are you in ???

[ceile]

2. Please cross post in GD.

You'll get more views and possibly more ideas about what you can do.

[iconoclastic cat]

3. Definitely, crosspost in General Discussion. nt

[Epiphany4z]

4. I have custody of my nephew

my case may have been a bit easier...his mom had not complied with court orders so she lost custody I never had to lift a finger really....anyway...my county has a little yellow book that lists every kind of help you could want...they keep them at the local jobs and family services offices..aka welfare...in there is a number called first call for help..they know where to send you for just about any kind of help you need...you might start with somethink like that...I found that yellow book from my county is actually fully posted on line as well...you may look there...

The kids should have a lawyer ...my nephew did.

please feel free to e mail me or IM if you want.

[madmax]

5. Gram -

Yes by all means follow Epiphany4z suggestion. Get the kids a lawyer. The court will usually appoint a guardian ad litem. Check this out...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legal_guardian