Help: Child neglect?

by **adamka** » Thu Nov 24, 2011 2:31 pm

Alright so my half brother, Michael (my father and his girlfriend's son) is six years old as of August 22nd. So he never received his shots he was supposed to get at age two until a couple years ago. He SHOULD be in school, he should have been in school last year, but my dad claims that they're "waiting for a doctor's appointment to get his shots." to get him in school this year. I definitely know that's a lie. They have medicare or medicaid for him, so it wouldn't cost anything. My father is just too selfish to find a ride for them to get there because he uses all his money to buy cigarettes and help his girlfriend and her brother and father get drugs. (They all live together, with my little brother in a smallish house) My dad's the only one who actually works.
What I'm asking though, is if I were to call child services for like, child neglect, what would happen? My mother thinks she wouldn't be able to adopt Michael because he has no relation to her (and she's afraid my dad and his girlfriend will come burn our house down). But my brother and his wife (They're 27 and 24 with a 3 year old.), cannot support him financially so he can't go there. And my sister, who's 22 is living in Kansas City finishing college this year and I don't know if she could take him in. I'm 15 and a half, so I doubt I could have my mom adopt him and I can take care of him (I couldn't get him to school, the elementary starts an hour after high school starts).

If you know the laws and stuff for taking him in, or what child services would do, pleeeeeease tell me. I really don't want him to go to some other family he doesn't know just so he can go to school, so I'm iffy on whether or not to call.

by **aldric13** » Thu Nov 24, 2011 2:35 pm

. Call CPS and let them know the living conditions and your concerns. Let them know that your mother is willing to take full responsibility for him and you want him to live with you guys. Once he becomes involved with CPS and the state they can provide rides for school, medical and anything else you may need help with. Prepare for it to be a long process and everyone in the house hold will have a back ground check and drug screening. Your home will be evaluated as well as your income. You will have to let the court and police know your concerns about his dad, and ask for a restraining order. I think its wonderful you care for your brother and you want action taken. Good Luck.

by **plys** » Thu Nov 24, 2011 2:36 pm

I'm sorry you are in such an awkward position, that sucks. I think you should call. It might be really hard if they take your brother away, but it is really unhealthy for him to be in the house he is currently in, and it could even be dangerous if they are dealing drugs. Anyway, I'm a teacher and there is a boy in my class who we've had to call DSS for a few times. They don't just automatically come in and remove the child, they come in, meet with the parents, make sure the kid has food, clothes, and is going to school. Then they meet with the parents every month or so. I think they would only remove your brother if after a long time he still wasn't in school.

by **herald** » Thu Nov 24, 2011 2:39 pm

Based on what you said this is definitely a case of child neglect. your state's version of CPS will come out and investigate. The going to school won't be a big issue. If they find they are using drugs around him he will be immediately removed and placed in emergency shelter. If you leave him around drug users sooner or later he will get harmed..

by **yago** » Thu Nov 24, 2011 2:41 pm

Not 100% sure but if you do call and make a report they will never say who did it so that you do not have to worry about. They will go to their home and make sure the home is a safe home for him and make sure he has all the things he NEEDS like food, clothing, a bed and so fourth. If they do find it not to be a good home they will ask them if there is someone that he can stay with until the investigate everything. If not than they may try to put him in the system but they never like putting kids with unknown people so I would imagine that if you and your mom would go than they may let him stay with you guys and it will be alot better if your dad says that he can. If you do feel like he is being left out and not getting what he needs than you should call or try and talk with your dad about it. Good luck

Advertisments:

Sponsor Links: