Extremely concerned/want to step in.

We've crossed paths with minor, 15, who has a 5month old and is struggling beyond her means. She was living with her mother, who will not support her and wanted her out of the house, and inturn moved in with her father, he has since told her to get out, but wanted to keep the baby. Fearing for herself and the baby, as her father is a crack drug addict, she fled with the baby and has been on the run since. She is extremely confused and is willing to give us custody of the child. We want to know what legal steps we need to take to protect ourselves and the baby. The father is 19. He has sent some financial support, but not nearly enough to cover a baby's expenses. Since she is still a minor, aren't her parents still responsible for her and if so, do they have some legal right to their grandchild? Even though they've kicked their daughter out on the street. Seeing that she is 15 and her boyfriend was 18, isn't this considered statuatory rape? This girl has been pregnant before at the age of 14 and miscarried. Can she legally give us temporary custody without the father's consent? He is not able to care for the child at this time. She has been the sole caretaker, however, has been relying on help from friends and extended family to care for the child as she has been living basically on the street. We are not trying to take the baby away from her, however, given her circumstances, as parents, we feel the best thing for the babv is to take steps for custody on a private basis, without involving social services. Is this possible? Your prompt assistance is greatly appreciated.

[Grace_Adler]

Yes,it's considered statutory rape but you don't want to brand this young, immature, unthinking person a sex offender unless you think it really was rape. Also her parents are responsible for her and they should be held on neglect and abandonment. If he didn't sign an affadavit of paternity then he has no rights until paternity is established. I think it's great that you want to take care of the baby..it sounds like the poor child could use a stable envioronment with loving people and I feel bad for the girl. I don't know how you would handle custody privately. I think your best bet is to try and hire an attorney if possible or at least get a consultation. Best wishes.