My boyfriends ex has 4 children. One child we know for sure is his (ours I should say, I love him as if he was my own). She is using meth and very unstable. She has no permanent place to live and is quite neurotic. We have contacted CPS and they suggested that we pick him up if we feel that he is in danger. We live in Oregon and she lives in Arizona. What kind of legal issues could we face if we take him out of state? I am at a loss. I don't know what to do. I love this child and want the best for him.

What CPS did you contact, Oregon or Arizona. What I think you need to do is have the AZ CPs pick up the kids for safekeeping while you file in AZ Family court for custody.

We have contacted AZ CPS many times on the drug use, lack of electric, lack of food, lack of clean clothing, children being allowed outside unsupervised after dark. Many many many issues. AZ CPS gives us the same answer every time. "Go pick him up if you feel he is in danger." We have not yet filed anything in family court. We just found out yesterday that he is no longer with her, but with his alcoholic grandfather. So, we are driving straight out Thursday night to pick him up and coming back to OR on Saturday morning.

I assume you have proof that he is your bf's son. I would not just take him away. I would pick him up, take him to a local CPS office. Try to meet with someone you have spoken to on the phone, if not, you want it on record with a copy for yourself, that you feel the child is in danger and not being treated properly. That, on the advice of CPS, you are taking custody of him and will file for full custody in the Oregon courts. Then as soon as you get back to Oregon you file for custody.

The point here is you need to avoid someone filing a kidnapping charge.

Thank you. I will definitely get ahold of the cps worker we contacted before. And I have proof, we have photos on a cameraphone of her smoking meth while holding Sam when he was only 2, (he is 4 now). Again thank you. I don't want her screaming kidnapping.


Oh, Daddy isn't on the birth certificate, but there was a document admitting paternity for the child support order. So, I would think that might work until a DNA test can be done. We just want to get him home safe with us so we can be a happy family. My son is excited to finally meet his big brother.

Thank you so much