[mrcmstr]

This is kind of a complicated long story. I have 1 niece (4) and 2
Nephews (6 & 9) that have lived with both my Brother and their Mother (never
Married) since birth. They live in Oregon and I live in California.
Recently my Brother was arrested for domestic abuse toward his girlfriend
(the Mother), although I believe she was the abuser and he was
Defending himself, but that will have to be decided in court I guess. The home
Is disgustingly dirty with limited food in the kitchen. The children
Have no structure or discipline. I'm not even sure how often they bath or
Brush their teeth. The bedding is dirty and most beds smell of urine. I
Have witnessed the girlfriend physically abusing my Brother in the
Past. She now has a restraining order, my Brother is not allowed to
Communicate with her or the children. I have been advised to not communicate
With her. I contacted their local CPS, they state the incident will most
Likely be reported to them eventually, but may take some time. I want
To be aware of my rights as their Aunty (Family) to be able to be granted guardianship or adopt them if possible? I am a single Mother with 2 children of my own and a
Limited income and would like to know expenses and the process for
Adoption or guardianship? The possibility? Is there financial
Assistance if granted? I just want to keep them out of "the system"
(with Family) and provided with a better living situation /
Environment. I offered to take the kids the day after the incident, but I don't
Believe the Mother will agree because she states she can't be away from
Her children. She is a bar tender with no car or driver's license due to
A previous drunk driving accident. My Niece has also had a near death
Experience from drowning in the bath tub when she was approx 1 years
Old due to the Mother's lack of attention. These are just minor incidents to give some of the big picture.

Any assistance and / or referrals are very much appreciated.

Thank you for your time

[whiteladybug2002]

I know that you have to prove all this stuff and then the court has to decide if it is enough! IT is hard to get it done, unless she does something horrible and harms the children... in most states.

I have a niece in a bad home too and am considering trying to do the same. My lawyer feels I have a good case, but what helps me is that my niece has bad teeth and the mother has not took her to the dentist. If there is any medical or dental neglect, it helps you.

It is sad that children have to grow up in these types of environments!

Good Luck and God Loves You!

***My lawyer also suggested taking foster parenting classes, in case my niece was put in the system it would help me get first dibs.

[mrcmstr]

I know that you have to prove all this stuff and then the court has to decide if it is enough! IT is hard to get it done, unless she does something horrible and harms the children..........in most states.

I have a neice in a bad home too and am considering trying to do the same. My lawyer feels I have a good case, but what helps me is that my neice has bad teeth and the mother has not took her to the dentist. If there is any medical or dental neglect, it helps you.

It is sad that children have to grow up in these types of environments!!

Good Luck and God Loves You!!

***My lawyer also suggested taking foster parenting classes, in case my neice was put in the system it would help me get first dibs.

Thank you for your help... and, it does help. I have been searching all over for answers, making phone calls... it is nice to actually get a response of some kind. God bless.