Regaining Parental rights??

[rebeccau]

What is the name of your state? Maryland, but the basis of the problem is in Arizona. I was in the navy when I gave my child up for adoption to my sister because of PTSD and I felt I wasn't stable enough to take care of one at the time. Now, she is 11 years old and in the custody of CPS due to a mishap in her household. She now would like for me to take her back which I would gladly do. Our problem here is the CPS there isn't considering adoption or gaurdianship outside the state. Is ther anything I can do to get her here? I been married now for 8 years to a wonderful husband who is retiring from the Coast Guard in May. I have two boys one 5 and 2. This may not have any anchor, but it does show that I have progressed wonderfully through the years.

[ceara19]

Originally Posted by rebeccau

What is the name of your state? Maryland, but the basis of the problem is in Arizona. I was in the navy when I gave my child up for adoption to my sister because of PTSD and I felt I wasn't stable enough to take care of one at the time. Now, she is 11 years old and in the custody of CPS due to a mishap in her household. She now would like for me to take her back which I would gladly do. Our problem here is the CPS there isn't considering adoption or gaurdianship outside the state. Is ther anything I can do to get her here? I been married now for 8 years to a wonderful husband who is retiring from the Coast Guard in May. I have two boys one 5 and 2. This may not have any anchor, but it does show that I have progressed wonderfully through the years.

Your progress really means absolutely nothing in this case because you are no longer the child's mother. You have no more legal right to the child then any of your other siblings. CPS will not consider out of area placement because their goal is to reunify the child with the LEGAL parents. Unless CPS decides to terminate your sisters parental rights, you have no realistic chance of gaining custody of the child because of the distance. Even if CPS DOES decide to terminate your sisters rights (which they only do as a last resort after all other options have been exhausted), you would still need to jump through hoops to get the child placed with you.

[rebeccau]

I have a hard problem with that. I don't think it is right for CPS to interfere with family affairs when there is no abuse or harm connected to the children. Besides, the now mother of the child asked me to take her back. If she had any kind of custody rights, you would think they would allow for this exchange to happen. I must have some way of getting her here in a safe environment rather being put in some strangers home.

[stealth2]

Since CPS is already involved, they are the ones you'll have to deal with. Mom's wishes will likely be moot, since her household is the one being investigated - especially if she wants to place the child out of state.

Your ONLY shot is retaining a local attorney, and even then the odds aren't good.

Originally Posted by rebeccau

What is the name of your state? Maryland, but the basis of the problem is in Arizona. I was in the navy when I gave my child up for adoption to my sister because of PTSD and I felt I wasn't stable enough to take care of one at the time. Now, she is 11 years old and in the custody of CPS due to a mishap in her household. She now would like for me to take her back which I would gladly do. Our problem here is the CPS there isn't considering adoption or gaurdianship outside the state. Is ther anything I can do to get her here? I been married now for 8 years to a wonderful husband who is retiring from the Coast Guard in May. I have two boys one 5 and 2. This may not have any anchor, but it does show that I have progressed wonderfully through the years.

legally, you are the child's aunt, not her mother. untill she is 18, she has ZERO say in where she lives. right now, cps is in charge, and they tell her where to live.

[weenor]

Originally Posted by metsrule

legally, you are the child's aunt, not her mother. untill she is 18, she has ZERO say in where she lives. right now, cps is in charge, and they tell her where to live.

Nice Kel- at least we know you keep track of something other than message boards....'

OP- children are not possessions or puppies. When you chose to give her to your sister, you made a decision that could not be changed by you. Can't unring the bell or put the toothpaste back in the tube. Keep your fingers crossed that you will be able to discover the child's whereabouts at 18.

[ceara19]

Originally Posted by weenor

Nice Kel- at least we know you keep track of something other than message boards....'

OP- children are not possessions or puppies. When you chose to give her to your sister, you made a decision that could not be changed by you. Can't unring the bell or put the toothpaste back in the tube. Keep your fingers crossed that you will be able to discover the child's whereabouts at 18.

Actually, my youngest CAN put toothpaste back in the tube. It's really kind of amazing.