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parentinmich · Mar 23, 2007, 05:54 PM

I have a 16 year old that has been in trouble with the law since she was 14 years old (she is adopted), she just spent that last 11 months in a treatment center for bipolar (this was ordered from the judge because he felt her illness played a big part in her behavior), she has been out for 2 months and she is back in juvy for violating probation (she disappeared for 4 days and was high on drugs when she was found). She thinks she is pregnant now and I always told her if she became pregnant I would make her give the child up for adoption. I am sick and walk with a cane and I can not care for an infant let alone take care of myself. I have balance problems and right side numbness.

My daughter insists that she is keeping the baby - do I have to right to force her to give it up. The baby would do better than living with my daughter who only has a 9th grade education and has never worked not mentioning her various emotional problems. She is emotionally impaired.

RubyPitbull · Mar 23, 2007, 06:52 PM

I am sorry for your troubles.

Minor parents have the same rights and responsibilities as adult parents. So, I believe that if you want her to give the baby up for adoption, you will have to take her to court to force the adoption issue.

I am assuming that you live in Michigan from the name you chose. Please let me know if I am wrong and I will see what I can dig up if you are in a different state. But, here is link to the Department of Human Services in Michigan. You might want to start there. Contact them and ask them for guidance on how to handle this matter.

DHS - Contact DHS

Matt3046 · Mar 23, 2007, 06:58 PM

Seek outside help, you do not really want to give away a member of your family.
Adoption is only a last resort.

Fr_Chuck · Mar 23, 2007, 07:05 PM

I would involve social services, also you will need to speak with a local attorney, some of the issues since she is currently under control of the juv system, is that they have some say at this point also

And I am not sure about Michigan but the laws will vary greatly by state,
And with all of the things you have going on, her bi-polar, being committed for that under court order, add to that being in juv, doing drugs and more. So I am not sure there is a clear answer, and it is possible it will have to go though family court for a judge to rule on it

RubyPitbull · Mar 23, 2007, 07:08 PM

Matt, not to argue with you here, but she did state that she wants to give the baby up because she feels it is in the baby's best interest. She feels she is not healthy enough to raise a child, and her daughter is dealing with a mental health and drug issue. This is a very heartbreaking situation and I am sure it is not easy for her, but she is trying to do the most responsible thing for the sake of this baby. Would you want a bi-polar mother with a drug problem to raise you? Adoption may be the best solution here.

Matt3046 · Mar 23, 2007, 07:14 PM

Yeah you are probably right it is just very hard through the years to know that there is someone out there who is a part of you, and you may never even meet them.