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ginal22564 · Dec 22, 2011, 10:51 AM

We are providing care to a 16 year old boy, who is a school friend of our son. We are in the state of Texas. The boy became homeless this summer, after his grandmother, who he was being raised by, passed away. He was taken in by an aunt, but for some reason she turned him out. Over the summer he was on his own for a while, basically unsupervised without stable care. He actually has a lot of family in our town, but none that are willing to take him in and provide any care full time. His birth mother is a drifter who is on drugs, from what I am told. His birth father just got out of prison in October, 2011, but has never had custody of him. We let him visit him most weekends, and it seems to be going pretty well, though he drinks quite a bit, but really seems to want a relationship with his son. I have no idea if anyone claims guardianship of him, but he doesn't think anyone has legal custody of him. We provide everything for him, shelter, food, clothing, enrolled him for health benefits, he hadn't had medical or dental care in years unless an emergency. I have him passing school for the first time in 4 years. It feels like his family wants him around on weekends for having fun, then everything important and all responsibility goes to us. Should we pursue any type of legal guardianship or custody? Would we have any financial benefits in doing so? Thanks for any help.

ScottGem · Dec 22, 2011, 10:56 AM

First, Bless you for what you are doing for this boy.

However, currently you have no legal right to approve medical care or make decision about his rearing. This can get you in trouble with the law. You should have approached your local children's services agency and indicated your willingness to foster the boy. This is what you should do immediately.

Fr_Chuck · Dec 22, 2011, 11:07 AM

Yes, thank you for caring, but there is a old saying, no good deed goes unpunished.

You can not legally sign for him to go to school, you can not sign for any medical care or anything legal for him.

Legally a family member could even file charges for interfering with their legal custody rights ( or decide to try to black mail you if you don't pay them)

So yes you need to get CPS involved and try to get him legally in your home