Is it possible to gain custody of my 2 young cousins? Need advice.

Question

Ok, I've never used this before so I hope I do it right.

I'm 17 and I live in FL. At one point my slightly older Aunt and I were best friends. She now has 2 young kids both under 2 yrs. (One only 6 months) She and her boyfriend are very unfit as parents (no jobs, unfit housing, etc.) and no one in my family has the brains to do anything about it, nor do they care as much as I do for those kids. I told her once I was 18, if she didn't have her act together that I'd fight for custody and if she was going to give her kids to anyone, I would be the only person she trusts... My question is: Can it be done? What would I need to do? I don't want opinions about taking care of 2 young kids at such a young age, I just need facts and knowledge.

Answer 1

First there would have to be complaints filed against them with the child abuse hotline and/or Dept. of Children and Families.  Investigations would have to be made and they would have to be declared unfit parents.  Then you would be able to file for custody.  They can voluntarily give you custody without being declared unfit parents.  Go online to "myflorida.com" and you can get all kinds of information.

Answer 2

You don't say how many other relatives you have.  But the safest bet is to go to whatever it's called in Florida (here we call it Social Services, child protective unit), and voice your concerns.  That way they know there is a family member that is concerned and involved, and God forbid, they see the parents as unfit and want to remove the children from the home, you are in line.  But yes, you'll have to prove you are able to handle the responsibility, although they will help you. But I'm pretty sure you'll have to be 18 or living with someone (a family member)  who is.  But check them out for advice.

Answer 3

You sound like a very responsible young woman and these two kids are SO LUCKY to have a cousin like you.

However, I doubt that you could do anything without a voluntary arrangement with their mother (and father if he is in the picture). And if child protection were involved, I don't think the authorities would think a 17 or 18 year old would be a suitable guardian (even if you are, for all intents and purposes the most suitable one).

What kind of support do you have? Are your parents in the picture. If so, perhaps you could get an agreement in place that says that your family could be the primary care-givers.

At the very least, keep being a good role model for these 2 youngsters and help them in any way you can to have a stable, happy family life.

I wish you all the best.

Answer 4

it's hard for the father to take his own children from their mother,so i think a cousin wouldn't have a chance.even tho it sounds like they need to be with you.you better get some good hard proof of unfit before you get started.it's strange but people that don't need children pop them out left and right,and people that would be great parents have a hard time getting them.but good luck and my prayers go out to your young family members.they have a wonderful aunt and don't even know it yet.