[nycdimples]

Hi,
I writing to get some information about getting custody of my nephews.
My sister, doesn't have time to be with her children.
She always leaves them with babysitters, family or friends.
When she divorced her husband the court awarded her full custody.
I can't say that the children are left alone, but I can say that they never spend time with their mother.
The oldest son(14yrs) is not doing well in school and doesn't talk much and the youngest (10yrs) is craving for some attention.
The children's father well he just goes picks them up and drops them off at some relatives house and doesn't spend time with them either.
Now these kids are screaming for some loving care... they are being ignored by their parents for several years
My nephews spend holidays with friends instead with they parents like it should be.
Does this qualifies as child abandonment?
It breaks my heart that they feel unwanted.
They have mentioned to me that they don't want to be with neither parent.
Is there anything that I can do?
I have a stable job and I'm 34 yrs old.
Please advise.

[Emland]

Have you offered to take them in? It doesn't sound like she is mom of the year, but as long as they are being fed, sheltered and supervised, I don't see how you are going to get help from the court.

[startover22]

I say you definitely need to talk to your sister, honestly and openly. Maybe you can tell her what you have seen lately, it might just open her eyes. I am going through this same thing with the three boys we fostered for a little over 2 months, the kids are in daytime and night time daycare, even when she isn't working. Hope it all works out. Hugs, Start