Children and parental drug use

[buster94]

What is the name of your state?PA

My neice is using drugs and "working" in the street. SHe has a son who is her welfare pass. Both live with my sister who is the boy's grandmother. She is worried that if she calls CPS, they will not help and my neice will take the child away. If she calls police, and drugs are in the house, will my sister be responsible? What would be her best course of action to protect the boy? There are several family members who would like to adopt this child and give him a good home.

 

[LdiJ]

What is the name of your state?PA

My neice is using drugs and "working" in the street. SHe has a son who is her welfare pass. Both live with my sister who is the boy's grandmother. She is worried that if she calls CPS, they will not help and my neice will take the child away. If she calls police, and drugs are in the house, will my sister be responsible? What would be her best course of action to protect the boy? There are several family members who would like to adopt this child and give him a good home.

If drugs are in your sister's home, then absolutely yes, she would be in trouble too if the authorities find them. Calling CPS is also problematic with them living in her home.

I think she needs to get a consult with a local attorney to have a better idea of what may or may not be possible.

 

[buster94]

Thank you

for the help. She can't afford a lawyer and she is afraid to try to have her daughter declared unfit. My sister would also not be considered as a fit parent (the apple did not fall far from the tree though my sister has cleaned herself up). Looks like another family member will be contacting a lawyer.

 

[Zephyr]

it's your sister's house...why is she allowing drugs there? she should be doing a weekly "stem to stern" inspection of the house and disposing of anything illegal.

 

[Gracie3787]

it's your sister's house...why is she allowing drugs there? she should be doing a weekly "stem to stern" inspection of the house and disposing of anything illegal.

I agree with that. Also she should give an ultimatum- any more drugs and you are out. She shouldn't risk her own well being over this.
Gracie

 

[buster94]

I agree. I wouldn't tolerate this at all. Her concern is the child (almost 2). If she tosses her daughter (19), the grandson goes, too. She would like help for her daughter and to keep the grandson in her home. I do not see how that is possible under these circumstances.

If she calls the police if/when she finds drugs, she's also in trouble, right, because it's her home? What happens to the kid?

 

[Zephyr]

it's your sister's house...why is she allowing drugs there? she should be doing a weekly "stem to stern" inspection of the house and disposing of anything illegal.

what is stopping her from doing this?


and where is the child's father?

 

[buster94]

Nothing is stopping her from searching for drugs. Seeing her grandson leave with her daughter to live in "the life" is what has stopped her from kicking her daughter out.

Father is exactly where he should be-- jail for taking minor over state lines, grand theft auto. He doesn't want the child and may sign over rights. Paternal GM, jail for child porn. Daughter finished probation last year and had records sealed because she was under 18.

Just really wanted to know what she can do to best protect the child. If any if us take him while she's out "working," it's kidnapping.

 

[Ptrcmcc6]

Isn't there a way your sister can petition the court for temporary guardianship of her Grandson without getting CPS involved. I would think the only way your sister can get in trouble with the law is if she is ALLOWING her daughter to bring drugs into her house. I really don't think if she called CPS, they are going to come out there with a search warrant and start searching the house for drugs. They probably will come out and remove the child upon further investigation but in most cases, they will place the child with another family member. You said you have plenty of family members who are willing to take the child in so I don't see that being a problem. Then, if they find her daughter is abusing drugs, they will probably set her up in some kind of rehabilitation program which it sounds like she really needs. I don't think they will allow her Grandson to stay in the house as long as her daughter is living there also. Your sister has some tough decisions to make regarding her daughter and her Grandson but sometimes you have to show tough love.

Good Luck for the sake of that little boy and keep up posted.