[blah]

Hi there,

I need some help/advice...

I am 25 years old and well I have a little friend of mine (16 years old) lost his mom about 3 years ago and well his dad is just a jerk to him and well he actually told him that he wants to sign over his rights to someone else to take care of him. Well I am not sure the requirements for anything, but I really want to do whats best for my little friend, and well I think I need to take him in. I am wondering though what i exactly need to do. Do I adopt him, do i become his permentant foster parent, or can his dad just sign me guardian rights and he just can come live with me?
Also another question is, about finances.... I dont really think I make enough to take care of myself and him, so I am wondering if there is some kind of aid I can apply for?
Any advice anyone would have for me would be great!! the sooner I think would be better. He doesnt understand that I cant just sign a piece of paper and then he will move in tomorrow. But he is really unhappy at where he is and I dont blame him cuz I dont know what kind of father would say that to his son

Thanks to anyone with advice.

[Richard Justin]

My only advice is that you need to get professional advice. You might start with the agency that licences foster parents in your state. Also, some lawyer offer an initial consultation for free. In my state a parent can't just sign over a child to the state uless they are willing to pay the costs for care. I doubt you will be able to get any financial aid unless you are in the system- ie become a foster parent.

I admire your willingness to help. Good luck.

Rich

[blah]

K, So I talked to Family Services and stuff about this and they sent me an agreement basically stating that I will take guardianship of him... but they also suggested that I write up some kind of contract, but I have no clue on what to write?? Does anyone have any suggestions for me or maybe an example?? Any help would be great!!!

Thanks!

[Tudu]

Have you actually spoken to the father about this? What are his reasons for wanting the child to leave? He needs to pay child support for his child.

[blah]

Yeah, I have talked to his dad.... He has parkenson's disease and is going to be moving into an assisted living place and well we dont think that is a good place for the 16 year old to be. Also him and his father dont get a long very well. And the school he is going to right now causes problems also. His father has agreed to give me guardianship or him and also said that he would give me $150 a month and said that if we need more that he would help out with what he could...

[AmyAnne]

I think when they talk about a contract... they're talking about a behavior contract. This is no longer your friend... this is your responsibility. What are his chores and responsibilites? Is he expected to attend school? What is his curfew? Will he be expected to get a summer job? What's the policy on having his girlfriend over? Can he have pets? What's the policy on smoking, drinking, and drugs? These are YOUR responsibility now.

[blah]

The way I understood, it was a contract for the father, not the boy?? So kinda about what the father says he gonna help with and do?? I am meeting tomorrow and need to get this figured out....


Thanks