Want to take temporary custody, of my sister?!?

Question

I should start out by saying I was adopted, but remain close with my biological family. My little sister (who still lives with my biological mother) is 17. The home life she has is horrible. My biological mother has beaten her (the bruises are STILL all over her face and neck from strangulation), drives drunk, brings illegal substances into the house, and has kept my younger sister out of school since she was in 8th grade simply because she didnt want to drive her to school every morning. She even tried to influance my younger sister to drink whenever she had a problem!

Ive decided enough is enough and want to put my foot down. Here's the problem. I'm 19 years old and she's my half sister. I am married to a wonderful man (26) and we have a stable relationship and income. I know I can't rush in there and just take her, but is there a way my husband and I could get temporary custody to get her out of that house until she is 18? She isn't safe there. Please help.

Answer 1

You really should get CPS involved.  As far as your marriage, you are newly married, and this may be waaaayyy too much for your young marriage to handle, such as if your sister should get an attitude with your man, if she decides she's not going to get a job and help pay her way, etc and you continuously feel sorry for her and allow this to happen(not saying you will, but so many women do), the hubby will get sick of it and it will be the end of your marriage.

Answer 2

You will have absolutely no problem getting temporary and permanent custody of her.  Take her to the police and file assault and neglect charges.  Since your sister is 17, chances are she can legally leave home and won't have to return.  The age between 17 and 18 is a gray area depending on your state.  They won't force her to return home.  Child Protective Services may get involved and remove her from the home.  They will place her with the closest relative--you.  She needs to get help from a therapist for her past abuse and by involving child protective services and the police, they can force your mother to get help or put her in jail.  You need to take action now.  

Answer 3

You need to immeditely call Child Protective Services through either the county or state.  File an child abuse and neglect report with the police, too.  Then advise them you are willing to become a foster home placement, temporary guardian as a family member, until the charges are resolved.

She can also go to her school counselor and report the abuse.  The teacher/counselor by law has to immediately report the abuse to the authorities, who will remove her from the home.  Or, she can go to a police station or juvenile court and tell them the problem.

Answer 4

Yes, report your bio-mother to child services for abuse and then petition the court to have your sister placed with you.