[ilovemyniece]

I have a 6 year old niece who now lives with my brother (her father), my mother and her husband of 6 months, his of age niece. There is constant turmoil in the household, fighting, drinking, the police have been called to the location on several occasions. My brother is not stable he does not have a job, he drinks constantly, and up until a year and half ago, he has constantly been in an out of jail for drug possession and parole violation. My mothers husband recently got out of jail for assalting his neighbor. My mother is sick herself with health issues both mental and physical. She also drinks very frequently. My niece is not happy in the environment, she has missed 5 unexcused days of school this school year. She is already behind the other students because she does not constantly attend school. And unfortunately this week she has not been to school since Monday. On Tuesday my mother took her to the hospital because my niece was complaining of pain in her groin area, my mother also said that their was blood in her panties. I pray that nno one has violated her innocents. My mother said that my brother did not come to the hospital to be with his child and he acts as though he is not concerned. My nieces mother is currently avoiding arrest for hot checks. My husband of 10 years and my daughter live in another state. My brother and the mother both agreed to transfer custody to me. Last week I drove 3 hours to get the documentation taken care of. I informed my brother and mother all week that I would be driving back to their city on Thursday. When I arrived I was not able to find anyone. My husband and I would love to bring my niece into a stable environment, but someone that I spoke to at a law firm said that I had to be able to prove that she is in danger. Because of the recent incident with the pain and blood in her groin area Child Services has been contacted and a detective has been assigned the case. Please advise me if I have a case.

[ScottGem]

It certainly sounds like it. Especially if the parents agree.

[ilovemyniece]

Thanks for your quick response. If I am not able to locate the parents, or they do not cooperate what should I do.

[ScottGem]

Then you have a problem. Unless CPS decides the child is in danger and to award you custody, your chances are slim.