how to get custody of my niece when her mom and dad are drug addicts?
Posted by adminSep 1
We are located in Wa state. The dad of my niece has been a herion addict for over 10 years now, and newly married, now my sister is too. My niece is only a baby, and we need to get her from them! Cps doesnt care until something horrible happens, the counselor my brother-in law was seeing, we just found out wasnt U’A ing him, when he supposed to be doing so. The docs know there addicts but have done nothing about my niece being in their care.My sister is addicted to medicine that makes you sleep all the time..which is very worriesome to us.
Where would we start the process to take her away at least temp custody and go from there?
8 comments
Comment by Chuck G on 09/02/2010 at 12:04 am
Child protective services.
Comment by dragynwinds on 09/02/2010 at 12:42 am
I would call child protective services and ask them. They can let you know what to do.
Comment by Mopar Muscle Gal on 09/02/2010 at 12:50 am
you need to hire a attorney that deals with custody issues
Comment by maxmom on 09/02/2010 at 1:38 am
That is horrible.
Can you contact an attorney? That may be your best bet.
Comment by ana h on 09/02/2010 at 2:14 am
If i were you i would get proves or when you see them on drugs call the cops on them and tell the cops you will take kare of your niece while they’re in jail.
Comment by .Young Grasshopper. on 09/02/2010 at 2:57 am
Take them to family court. I think is a question you should be asking a licensed professional. Whatever you do, keep trying because that child deserves better.
Comment by Joe B on 09/02/2010 at 3:36 am
This is an uphill battle, your chances even though I believe what you say, are basically 0. You’re probably just going to stir a melting pot.
Comment by Cheryl A on 09/02/2010 at 3:53 am
The laws protect parental rights. Though you want to do the right thing by your niece, you have to have hard evidence that they are abusing or neglecting the child. You may not approve of their drug habits, but if they are taking care of the little girl, there’s not much you can do.
Monitor the situation. Make note of every time they abuse or neglect your neice. Call the police when you suspect something. They will corroborate and document the evidence. Also, if necessary, they will remove the child from the home.
Talk to your sister and the baby’s father. Maybe the responsibility of caring for the child is more than they really want. They may be willing to sign over guardianship to you. If they are not willing to do that, you will have to take the matter to court, where you will have to show that they are unfit parents. Once it gets to this level, the court will appoint an attorney (called a guardian ad litem) who will represent the best interests of the child.
Best wishes and good luck!