[QLife08]

Hi, I am an 18-year-old female who has much concern regarding the safety, emotional health, and mental health of my younger brother. I would like to know how to get custody of him? He is now 10 years old. I live in Pennsylvania and he lives in South Carolina. I only get to see him in the summer. Usually I take care of him the entire summer and his behavior is fine. While living with my mother he has been kicked out of numerous schools. I strongly believe that he has been exposed to violent behavior. My mother has recently become suicidal in a result to the amount of guilt that she has in her life. I have 2 sisters that live with their father, having an OK life. My father's sister raised me, and I too had a good life as a child. I believe that my brother should have that chance. I am not sure of the whereabouts of my brother's father. Even if I had a clue I would not want him to take care of my brother. He is a child rapist; I know from experience, and he molested my younger sister. He is not fit to take care of a 10-year old boy, he will also expose him to bad behavior which I tend to prevent. My mother may be willing to give me full custody, but I am not looking to eliminate her rights to seeing or talking to him. I would allow him to see her during summer and holidays. If his father gets in contact with me I would also allow him to talk to his son and see him on occasion, but with supervision. I am not expecting to get any money for him, and if there were to be a check some would go to my mother and to a savings account that I would open for him. I am just a worried sister that wants the best for her younger brother. I am willing to take full responsibility of him. I need help in order for that to be a possibility. Please help, and thank you for taking the time out to read this letter.

[ScottGem]

If your mother will cede custody or even allow you appointed as a guardian, that will not remove her rights. Your best bet is to get an anttorney who can draw up the papers to get you assigned as aguardian.