[glegge]

The child in question is 7 years old and lives next door to me. His parents divoced shortly after he was born and they have joint custody. Until lately, he spent most of his life with his paternal grandmother.
Now his father has a new girlfriend, who has a child of her own. Both his father and girlfriend expect him to care for her child (feeding and dressing). He also cleans house for both parents. The only time he is taken care of and allowed to be a child is when he is with his grandmother. I must note: His father does pay child support and provides food, clothing, education and health care as needed.
Recently, the child came to me and asked for help in getting to live with his grandmother all the time and just visiting his parents a little at a time. What can I tell him or his grandmother?

[hheath541]

His grandmother would probably have to be the one to go to court to fight for custody. While the court may listen to what the child has to say and what he wants, I doubt he could take the case to court himself.

[ScottGem]

A child can NEVER petition the court. The petition would have to be initiated by an adult. At 7 its unlikely the court will place very much weight on the child's preferences.

My suggestion would be to have the child talk to a guidance counselor at school. This could trigger an investigation from family services to determine whether the child is being abused or not. A 7 year old should not be given responsibility for caring for an infant. So family services would look at this from the dual angle of neglect of the infant and abuse of the child.

Armed with the Family Services report, if the situation is found to be at fault, the grandmother can then file for a change in custody. Other than advising the child to talk to a guidance counselor or clergy, I would stay out of it.

[glegge]

Hhealth541 and ScottGem,

Thank you very much. I will take your suggestions to heart. You have been very helpful.