Taking custody of children that aren't mine

[Grim]

I need help and advice. I have a niece and nephews whose parents are deadbeat gamble-holics. They've lost and/or quit their jobs and now do nothing but fight with each other and throw away every penny they manage to scrounge up. Their house is going through foreclosure and they will lose it very soon. I could care less about the parents, you can't help someone who doesn't want help. It's the children I'm worried about. The kids are basically destitute. Every aspect of the kids' lives are affected. Luckily, the grandparents live just down the street from the kids and they have been getting by, barely.

I want to know if there is any way I can get custody of the children. The grandparents are getting too old to care for children all the time. Isn't there a law that can place the kids in my care in the best interest of the kids? I will not abandon them to foster care or God-knows-what if I can help it. My friend is doing something similar to this, except the parents of the children he cares for are drug addicts who have abandoned their kids. Finances may be a factor as I am only employed part-time, but I will start a second full-time job very soon. Please advise.

Thanks,
Grim - Sacramento, CA

 

[irish223]

If the children are seriously neglected, you can make a report to CPS. CPS will investigate, but may or may not remove the children. IF they remove the children, you MAY have standing to get temporary custody.

If the parents are as uninterested in the children as you say, why not ask them if the children can live with you? They may agree to guardianship, if not custody.

 

[Duranie]

Unless the parents consent, you cannot take custody or guardianship.