[LadyKaramel]

I'm a 21 year old college student trying to fight for custody of my younger brother from my dad. My younger brother is 13 years of age. My dad is extremely controlling, and will not allow my brother to see any of us older siblings and threatens to call the cops if we come near him. I bought my brother a phone (without my dad's consent) in case of emergency calls, and to be able to keep in touch with him. My dad recently found out and took away the phone, saying it was illegal for him to have a phone until 18 (knowing this is false). My dad has not physically abused my brother in any way, but he shuts my brother away from the world. My brother is extremely depressed and emotionally unstable, especially because our mom passed away 2 years ago. My brother has no friends at school, sits alone at lunch, and my dad purposefully isolates my brother away from everyone else. On top of that, my dad is receiving social security from my brother and spends nothing toward food nor clothes. My brother is neglected daily, his daily meals consists of whatever he eats at school. My dad is not involved in my brother's life at all, except for the fact that he pays for the house payments. I visit my brother as much as I can when my dad is not there. Can I gain custody of my brother? Do I need proof that my dad is incompetent and neglectful? I haven't gotten any police reports on my dad. Should I just contact social services and go from there? Five years is a long time for my brother. I'm afraid I cannot see him endure this until he's 18.

[MsMewiththat]

Yes you should contact Social services and explain that you are concerned for your brothers welfare.

[LadyKaramel]

Thanks for your input. :)