I have brought up my grandaughter from birth she is 11 weeks old what support should i have if any?

Question

my daughter in law had her 3 children taken away and full parentel responsibility was given to my son childrens ages are 4 3 and2 but his partner was due to have the new baby this was taken from her at birth and my son tried for a week but could not cope so she was passed on to me the grandma she is now 11 weeks old her mum is to appear at crown court on assault and neglect charges both my son and daughter in law have told social services and myself they no longer want her back as my son will not be able to manage i have been told by them to seek a residential order but what is this and i have had no support from anyone financialy or help from social services should i be geting some kind of support as i feel i have no one to talk to my youngest of 5 is 26 now and things do change i feel so isolated could anyone please advise me as to where i go from here my hubby and i have bought everything clothes pram cot we dont mind but i am sure we should be geting help but dont know who from

Answer 1

Once you have legal guardianship of the baby in question, you will be entitled to receive Childs Tax Credit, and maybe working tax credits.

Speak to yourr local CAB (citizens advice) and they will be able to tell you if you are entitled to anything else.

Answer 2

someone should be supporting the baby ...whether it be the parents and some courts will make them pay you support or social services..its almost as though the baby is in foster care...i think you should call child services in your area..

Answer 3

The truth is. Even if the baby was in no how relateded to you and was at a adoption center the birth parents can take the child of of you. Sorry

Answer 4

Sadly there is very very little support out there for you (I have been there).  See a solicitor and apply for a Residency Order for the child - but trust me, it won't be easy or cheap.  Good luck - its a hard path you have to travel.

Answer 5

if you are in any way concerned then go to the social  security office usually in the same place as job/centers and ask there if you do not want to do that try c.a.b or even your tax office and last but not least try your local council you can only but ask!goodluck

Answer 6

dont know ,but well done you!!

Answer 7

u need to go to ur health dept and u can get sum state help the health dept should offer sum kind of wic program it stands for women infent and children help they can help u with formula and tell u where to go for sum more state help now if u adopt her i dont think u can get child support so u will need all the state help u can get and by the way you are a great women for doin this im sure god will shine his light upon u for not turning away from one of his children ....

Answer 8

My aunt (my mother's sister) has custody of her three grandchildren.

Had the children gone into care, the foster parent(s) would have been given around £100 per child for their care.  My Aunt does not get this as she is the children's maternal grandmother.

She gets child benefit (family allowance) which is around £18 for the first child and £12 for each of the others (weekly)

Aside from that she cannot claim anything 'extra' (My uncle is retired and my aunt has given up work to care for the children) but like a previous person said, you may be able to get working family tax credit/child tax credit depending on your circumstances.

The CAB is definitely your best bet.

Answer 9

I can't help you, but I know she can.

carolann4536 - [e-mail]

You are in the same boat, she's done more sea miles than you - Pass my regards XX

Answer 10

First of all my dear go to your local CAB office and they should give you best advice, besides I really admire you for what you are but remember my dear you should look after yourself as well what means stand your ground with your kids for a start.Little ones are very important and it is not their fault neither is yours that your children for some reason cannot be responsible for themselves.It should be your children looking after you not you looking after your grandchildren because your own children aren't fit to do so.You need to get stronger because otherwise you will and up with a group of grandchildren and no idea how to feed them.Your children must acknowledge that your mercy  for their irresponsible behaviour has some limits and sooner their do the better for you.My dear friend there is a difference between being a good mother to your kids and being a mug of so please take my advice for your best interest

Answer 11

I don't know much about it but i'm sure once you get the residential order then you will be entitled to everything that you would get as the mother.............this would be family allowance, maybe child tax credits............this would all depend on your financial situation.

You should go and speak to a lawyer and also the benfits office for advice.

You are a wonderful person for doing this and i'm sure there is financial help out there that you will be entitled to.

Good luck x*x

Answer 12

Assuming you're in England, I think you probably would get some type of assistance, yes.   Have you claimed baby's surestart grant and applied for child benefit.  If you are a taxpayer you should also be able to claim tax credit too.

Your first step might be the CAB and/or a family solicitor who usually offer a free initial consultation

Homestart is a fantastic charitable organization and they would probably also have people who can point you in the right direction as well as giving physical and practical support for free  http://www.home-start.org.uk/

Answer 13

You're not alone...I have SO many grandparents adopting...I've seriously done so many lately, working on one now.

In my state, you can get licensed as a foster parent provided you have a safe and suitable home, no criminal record involving a child and no protective services history.  I was shocked that NONE of my grandparents were given that option....most likely because the state doesn't want to pay for a foster home.  Speak to the social worker and see if that is an option first...that is the most money for you.

You should also get Medicaid for the child, if you're not already.  That is federal I believe.

You could also contact WIC for formula and diapers  Also, your local Salvation Army will help you, while you are looking for paperwork and such, especially with formula and diapers.

Please look up private foster care agenices in your area....I bet any money they have a lot of grandparents and maybe know of some grandparent support groups.

Answer 14

you are entitled to benefits like child benefit and child tax credits so i would go to the jobcentre and find out also very sorry to hear that and good luck

Answer 15

I would need to know what country you live in.

Answer 16

Youcan of course claim the child benfit for the child,and Social Services do have a budget to help out people like you but you need to ask them,they wont always tell you,but when we had to get residency order for my partners daughter it was very expensive and social services did help a little financially but not offered i had to ask.They will help you because its a lot less for them to give you help than have to pay for a child in the care system. Its very hard and stressful all the legal stuff can be confusing so do get a good family solicitor,you can get help with legal costs,depending on your income,ask your solicitor about this.

Good luck x