[tifflovett]

My boyfriends niece is very mistreated he mother takes her to parties and just doesn't care about her she's a year old. The mother also had 2 other kids that were taken away by the dads sister. I want to know how to go about doing this and what steps to take

[Synnen]

Since you aren't even related, you're going to have a hard time getting custody. Then, too, you and your boyfriend are not married, and therefore (in the eyes of the court) not in a permanent relationship.

If you want to get custody, you're going to need a good lawyer.

If you just want the child in a safer environment, you need to call CPS.

[div2wice]

I agree completely...

First, if you're concerned about her safety you need to contact CPS. At that time, they'll do an investigation to see if the child needs to be removed.

If your boyfriend is interested in adopting or fostering the child he will need to contact CPS, tell them he is family & inquire about fostering or adopting. He will need to go through the same process as any other foster parent or adoptive parent. Just because he's family doesn't exclude him from the adoption rules/protocol. They may be able to grant temporary custody to him if the chid is in extreme danger, but its most likely she'll be removed to a foster family.

From what I understand, they (CPS) usually want to keep the kids in the family. So if your boyfriend is interested in adopting, he needs to make it well known that he wants the child. Most CPS workers will do what they can to help the family member get custody.

You really don't have a say or anything in the situation. If you two were married you would, but since you are not it would be him contacting CPS and him going through the process.

[Synnen]

Michelle Miller,

It is the policy at AMHD to give all of our advice in the forums.

Please either give your advice in the forum, or at least stop trolling your email address and nothing more as your answer.