unfit parents

[carriec]

My sister-in-law has a two month old baby and it has been utter dysfunction since the conception of the child. A (very) brief summary of this situation: The mother has said she doesn't really want to care for the baby, but doesn't want the father of the child to have it either. The father went to jail within the first weeks of the child's life for hitting the mother and is equally unfit. The baby has been a tool between the two parents and now the father wants to have the child. The parents of the mother have been caring for the child for the majority of the past two months. At 4:30 this morning, the dad (along with his cousin and the mother of the child) went to the grandparent's home, took the child and the baby left with the father (after the mother had been told by Social Services not to allow this). There are three states involved (MN-grandparents, IA-mother, SD-father). It has been a horribly ugly situation and none of those involved can afford a lawyer. Is there any advice out there that could lead to a safe and caring place for this precious little baby? Thank you for your time.

 

[Gail_in_Georgia]

Anyone bother to call the police on this one? It would appear that Social Services does not, at this time, wish the father to have this child.

Gail

 

[carriec]

Thanks for replying, Gail. I doubt they were contacted. My husband and I live over 2 hours away from all of this mess and are trying to be involved as possible, for the babies sake. However, it is one of those situations where we feel pretty stuck and can only tell them where to look and what people to contact. What they say and what they actually do has been uncontrollable by us. Also, as the baby's mother, she willingly let the father take the baby this morning - knowing that it was a bad choice. I truly feel so frustrated because there seems to be nothing my husband and I can do to make an impact on this situation.

 

[irish223]

If you feel the child is neglected or abused, call Iowa's DHS. The link has abuse guidelines and the number to call to make a report:

http://www.dhs.state.ia.us/Consumers/Safety_and_Protection/Abuse_Reporting/ChildAbuse.html

 

[Duranie]

If paternity was established and there is no court order, Dad may have had the right to take the baby. If paternity was not established, meaning Dad did not sign the birth paperwork, then call the police.