PDA

View Full Version : Need to find out my rights


lost nana
Apr 18, 2009, 11:26 AM
I am a grandmother with 6 grandchildren. 3 of them lived with me until the last month.
My son and daughter in law lived with me and was being a family. Our new grandson passed away and they took all 3 of the other children. I understand why my son and daughter in law cannot see them without supervision but I do not understand why the rest of my family, my other son, daughter in law and 2 grandchildren and me cannot.
We have done nothing wrong and dhs in treating us all this way. I have been the staple in the 3 kids lives from day one. They have lived with me all but for a year of their lives.
No one will even talk to me about this and listen to my side. One of the grandchildren is still in foster home and the other two are with their real mother. She has even lived with me with the children when my son and her split up. I live for my grandchildren and I do not know what to do. I supported them and did not let them do without ever. Now I cannot even see them unless it is a dhs visit when dhs wants us to. I cannot take them anywhere or even go shopping anymore with them.
What can I do to get DHS to leave me alone and let me visit and start seeing my grandchildren again?

I know there are no grandparents rights in Oklahoma but these kids need me like I need them.
Please help.

artlady
Apr 18, 2009, 11:44 AM
You can go to family court and petition the court for visitation.
It may have to be supervised visitation that is not in your home if the children are forbidden from contact with the parents.

ScottGem
Apr 18, 2009, 12:38 PM
You don't say why your new grandson passed, but if he was living in the same home with the parents and the other kids, then its no wonder no one from the household can see them.

I would strongly suggest that you retain an attorney who can help you navigate through the DHS bureaucracy.

sharikiser
Apr 19, 2009, 07:16 PM
I would continue to be the squeaky wheel to get the grease on why exactly you are not being able to see them. Also, it may worth finding an attorney that will do a free consultation of your situation. I know here in WA our foster system is so full that they always try to place a child with a family member first. If you haven't done anything past or present for DHS to question your grandparenting there should be no reason for you not to at least have visitation.. sometimes in the heat of these types of matters there needs to be a cooling off period for children to rebalance themselves emotionally, and it also gives state agencys time to really microscope a child's emotional well being. But they should let you know this is what is going on. If you are able to provide an envirnoment that is safe, and loving where all the child's needs are met, there shouldn't be a problem... again most state agencies are so full that they WANT to place the child with a family member... sometimes this takes time, while they sort everything out. Don't give up! Try to attend any and all proceedings if you are allowed to... call whom ever took or has the children if you can.. Show you are not going away, and you want to make sure that your grandchildren are okay.
Good Luck!