Finding help for niece

[Christi]

Christi Hi i'm new. I just have a few questions. I hope someone can help me. I have an 11 year old neice, she came to vist this summer. Her parnets were devoriced 7 years ago, but remained still living together. Utill about 6 weeks ago. Now it has turned into a ugly battle. I have learned that her mother (my sister) is addicted to prescription drugs. Father is a long haul truck driver.  Can anyone give me any suggestions.


                                                              Thanks
     

[Bolivar OH]

I know you want to help the situation, especially you niece.  We all want to save people in distress.  But you have to remember it is not your relationship.  You have no control over your sister and her X.  If the child is being mistreated you can call Children Services.  If the parents have not asked for help then you are "meddling" in someone else's personal business.

Be caring to your niece.  Sounds like she needs stability and unconditional love.

[Christi]

What if she is living with me? Her mom left her with me over three weekd ago.  She says she will be back to get her when she starts her new job. I don't know if that will happen. I don't think that she could pass a drug test. I 'm just looking for the best intrest of the niece. I belive that the father is the best parent for her right now. The mom says she can stop anytime. The dad went to file a TRO but mom had already beat him to the court house this moring.  I do know that the father is changing his statues so that he wouldn't have to go long distances. So i do think that the father is only looking out for his daughter. I know i'm not the judge but i can see both sides.  

[Bolivar OH]

What does the divorce decree say about the custody agreement?

[Christi]

Christi I haven't seen the degree but the mom told me that the decree she has full custody. But then again she lies alot. The father  is taking mom back to court. The mom has told me not to let the father see or talk to the daughter.  

[Kitty C.]

Talk to the father and ask to see the decree.  As long as the child is with you, and there is a custody dispute going on, I think you have the right to know.  You know your sister better than we do, and if you think she might be lying as to the content, and there's a possibility that Dad has joint, her giving you orders to NOT let him see her, would make her in contempt of court.  You need to know what the order specifies so that you won't be denying the father any rights he has.

Between you and the dad, I think you should try to keep the child safe.  One other thing, if she comes to your home and saying she's going to take the child, and you think she's on something, refuse to let her in the house and call the cops.  Because if you were to release the child to her, knowing that she was under the influence, and something bad happened, you could be just as liable, possibly for child endangerment.  NEVER put yourself in the position of putting the child in a dangerous environment!