[Aunt Sam]

My brother had kids with my ex best friend. Their relationship was very abusive and I was always the one who tried to bring sense to my friend and tell her to end the relationship for her kids. That never worked so I had to resort to calling child protective. My niece and nephew were always with me, I liked to make sure they were safe their mom is mentally unstable and an alcoholic. After a situation occurred between my brother and ex friend my niece came running to me shaking and screaming it took at least an hour to calm her down. After this I demanded my friend write a letter stating that I have the right to take her children when she lets him in her home. Now the ex friend is with a new guy who is no better. After a night out drinking He came home threatening my kids and I, and my nephew, I ended up with a restraining order against him. Because of that now Im now longer allowed to see my niece and nephew because he's mad that I called the cops. This has been going on since August and its breaking my heart. I live downstairs from them so my kids see their cousins outside and can't play with them and its tearing us all up. Please tell me there's something I can do.

[ScottGem]

Sorry, but there isn't much you can do. As an aunt you have almost no legal standing. Your only option is to report any abuse to CPS in the ohope they will take the kids away and you can petititon for guardianship then.