My brother's wife has died 4 weeks ago. She has a 13 year old son. The biological father died 10 years ago. The child's biological family does not want him. My brother has never filed for guardianship. My brother is stuck in grief. Has no money, house is unsanitary, the child barely attends school. He won't let any of our family members help. He is very angry and the child's basic needs are not being met. My brother just received a FINAL NOTICE from the child's school regarding the truancy issue. He made a statement "I gotta get this kid out of here!" When I suggested having the child go to our mothers for a while, he slammed the phone down on me. I want to do what's best for the child. What should I do? Will my brother lose the child if CPS comes in? Can I do anything to avoid that happening or should I call them myself?

Wow, that's a hard situation. Mainly because the child isn't biologically his. I don't understand why your brother won't give him to one of you in his family, if he doesn't want him. Bottom line, the child deserves to be with someone who's going to take care of him. You may have to take matters in your own hands and call child welfare services. Your brother may be mad at you, but he will get over it. You won't be able to live with yourself if something happens to the child and you knew you could do something to help. It would be different if the child was eighteen and could fend for himself. But he's not. He's at that age where he needs help. Do the right thing. Hope this helps.