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jenniepepsi · Jul 22, 2009, 02:40 PM

Hello.

Some of you may have been following along my other post.

But long story short, I started babysitting for a ladie who works with my husband and lives next door to us. I only just met her 2 weeks ago.

I started sitting for her kids a week and a half ago I think. And I STRONGLY STRONGLY suspect child abuse. And while the evidence I have is not concrete, I feel I am at the point where I am GOING to call CPS.

I wanted to ask before I do however... I think the answer is no. but I watned to be sure with you guys as most of you know more than I do.

As the babysitter... and only knowing them 2 weeks... if I were to file for custody (or at least temporary custody until a place can be found for them)

What are my chances? If there is absolutely no chance I'm not going to waste the money on a lawyer... but if there is even a little bit of a chance, I want to TRY. I WANT custody of them, and possibly adopt them. However I know it doesn't work that way. Atl east not right at first.

Thanks in advanced :)

N0help4u · Jul 22, 2009, 02:51 PM

A. You would have to PROVE abuse or CPS will think you are doing it out of some kind of spite or that you are lying about it because you WANT the kids --basically like a hostile witness in court.

B, IF she wants to give up her kids to you then that is another matter but you would have to really think hard on the best way to approach her so she doesn't think you are a monster trying to steal her kids or something and then cut you out of their life.

ScottGem · Jul 22, 2009, 03:30 PM

You have almost NO chance of getting custody, since you are not a relative. In fact, if you try to get custody, it will make your report seem self serving like you are reporting the parents only to get custody. So I would not mention that at all. If CPS does take the kids, then and only then can you offer to foster them.

cdad · Jul 22, 2009, 04:11 PM

Ok, Im going to give an opinion here based on nothing but what I just read. I think you would be CRAZY to entertain trying to get custody if the mother / parents live right next door.

Now for the legal side.. I agree with Scott on this one.

N0help4u · Jul 22, 2009, 04:15 PM

She is the babysitter to top it off.

Can of worms as Alty said

jenniepepsi · Jul 22, 2009, 04:20 PM

I didn't consider the hostile witness issue. Thanks for pointing that out.

All I really do have is the fact that I have seen her basically treat the 2 year old like crap, calling him names, threating to beat him bloody, or threatening to kick him in the you know what. She pushed him once, and he fell and hit his head hard, and she just stood over him like a victor or something. She yells at him constantly. It just breaks my heart. At the very least I would like cps to come out and check it out, and see if they can offer her some assistance if she would accept it you know?

It was mostly an afterthought of wanting to take them as a temporarty guardian. Its definitely not that I am just trying to get them away from her. But your right, it would look strange.

Thanks everyoen for the advise. I will think more on this, and if I do call cps, I will simply have to hope for the best and pray for the rest.

jenniepepsi · Jul 22, 2009, 04:23 PM

Originally Posted by ScottGem

So I would not mention that at all. If CPS does take the kids, then and only then can you offer to foster them.

That's a good idea, but I may not. I didn't think of what califdadof3 pointed out, about their mom being right next door (a few doors down in an apartment complex) might not be the best, nor safest place for her kids, nor even me and my family.

N0help4u · Jul 22, 2009, 04:25 PM

Like we said in your other post there really isn't much you can do other than trying to help her become a better parent.