[Nicole Elaine]

I have a sister who lives on Ft. Bragg in North Carolina. I live in Indiana and we are getting close to earning our foster care license, but are not quite there yet.

We have just discovered that my sister is using drugs (cocaine) and while we don't have proof, there have been a LOT of warning signs over the past month or so. (selling things for money, blowing all of their income, etc.)

She has never been the "type" to do drugs, so at first we were thinking she was just acting strange, but a few people have confirmed that she is using it on a regular basis.

My other sister, A, was recently visiting and said that the drug-using sister, M, was not taking good care of her kids and would not even wake up in the morning to take care of them.

Our worst fear is that these children will end up hurt due to neglect (or God forbid she abuses them...) and/or M will end up hurt or dead.

Her husband is living in the army barracks now and wants to work things out with her, but she has made it clear that she wants nothing to do with him. She is still living on the military base in military housing with the kids.

I don't even know where to start.. does anyone have any information they can provide? I found the North Carolina DSS site so far, but I just don't know what to do. We have to do something quick though.

Does anyone know if there is any chance of us getting these children if/when they go into foster care? What if we don't have our license yet?

Thanks for any help you can provide.

-Nicole

[ECDGA]

Think how much ahead of the game you are if they go into care. Rather than begining the process you will be nearly finished. I thought that family placement did not have the same strict requirements as foster parenting so I would think that the children would go to you, even if you are not completely done your classes. How old are the children? I wonder if this is all coincidental or part of a bigger plan--you wanting to foster and your sister needing help at the same time. Good luck to you,your sister and the babes!

[Nicole Elaine]

Thanks for the words of encouragement. The kids are 6, 3, and 2. I don't have any kids of my own, but I love them just as much as if they were mine! If I could go get them right now I would. Yea it is extremely ironic that this situation is happening. But I am thankful we are so close to being licensed.

[nanab]

Hi Nicole,
I think first nothing will happen unless social services is informed about the neglect of the children.If they are removed from the home and you know about ,you could then contact them and let them know you are interested.,in having the children placed with you.But first can you think of a way to convience your sister to get help for herself before she loses her children.maybe you can be there for her and the children.It is a difficult situation for all.i hope it all works out for the best.the bottom line though is the children must be protected from harm.
nanab