My sister's 4 children were recently made wards of the state because of a history of domestic violence, although she still has physical custody. Now the State is trying her for neglect because of repeated exposure to domestic violence. My sister is doing everything that is asked of her in order to retain custody of her kids. She is having major issues with the oldest child, my neice that is 16 years old, and has asked if I could take her just until she can get her act together because she is afraid that this child is going to cause all the children to be taken from the home. My neice is being non-compliant with following the court order, ie. skipping school, talking with her father. My sister talked with the children's social worker and ask if this is possible. The social worker said that because she is a ward of the state she cannot leave the state, I do not live in the same state. I have done a little research on Michigan law and it basically says that anyone can petition the court for guardianship. Can you offer any sort of advice? Do you know if it is possible to petition the court from afar? Of course, I know I would have to be present for the hearing.