Does anyone work in social services?

jasmineh7777

I have a few questions, regarding a family matter.

MarriedInAFever

I'm really sorry to hear that, Jas.

beatlesgirl25

Jas, I'm sorry. I've only worked with them in collaboration with child clients. I don't know if I can help, but I'll try if there isn't a social services expert out there today!

Steph0871

hmm. I don't, but my mom has for awhile.  If there's anything I can do, let me know!

PirateintheSky

I used to work a lot with social services with I was young, being on the child end.  As adult I have also worked with social services regarding my father who cannot take care of himself.

pirategal03

I'm sorry Jas, and I don't have a lot of experience here.  But I'd suggest calling the group home and asking what needs to happen for him to be placed there. 

jasmineh7777

I will do that. I just don't know if they will tell me of H anything, because we aren't guardians.

And I'm at work right now. Trying not to cry. And I feel like an idiot.

beatlesgirl25

Jas, I'm sorry. Your poor BIL. Yes, it is the right thing to do for your H to call DCF/DSS (whatever it's called out there). Unfortunately, you don't have legal rights to place him in any type of residence, only his mother or DCF can do that. So by alerting DCF you can get that ball rolling. Is there any other responsible relative that could take over guardianship for him as an alternative to foster care? That would be helpful for DCF to know.

He's really lucky to have you guys looking out for him this way. Good luck.

pirategal03

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_snarky-brides_anyone-work-social-services?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:17Discussion:bc2621dc-ad88-4feb-9a76-61c5f23d6862Post:a45fe33a-c2e0-486d-bec0-bb7828bfe2d3">Re: Does anyone work in social services?</a>:
[QUOTE]I will do that. I just don't know if they will tell me of H anything, because we aren't guardians. And I'm at work right now. Trying not to cry. And I feel like an idiot.
Posted by jasmineh7777[/QUOTE]

I'm pretty sure they'd tell you generally what steps need to be taken. You're not asking for information about a specific person, just on policy/procedures.

[Deleted User]

That's terrible, I can't believe she could just leave him to fend for himself like that. I would also suggest calling that shelter, or a social service department. You can make anonymous calls and just get tips on how to handle it without having to say who you are (that's how ours works, at least).

And you may not technically have legal rights, but considering the situation you still have some sway. Is there no other family around? Like the uncle that called? Poor kid. Man that sucks.

MarriedInAFever

(((hugs)))

I'm just so sorry, Jas. This is incredibly shitty.

ohwhynot

jas, that completely stinks.  That poor kid - and please do NOT beat yourself up because you guys can't be his parents.  You just can't - it's not fair to yourselves to try to be.  Ditto the others to talk to DCF and at least get a social worker involved.  They will contact your MIL and see what the heck is going on.  I'm sorry. 

ohwhynot

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_snarky-brides_anyone-work-social-services?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:17Discussion:bc2621dc-ad88-4feb-9a76-61c5f23d6862Post:164738b8-d15d-4817-b9e1-58ca5bbcaefa">Re: Does anyone work in social services?</a>:
[QUOTE]MIL's boyfriend is a convicted felon and uses meth. She won't be able to keep him.
Posted by jasmineh7777[/QUOTE]

Well, she may not be able to keep him and keep her son, too.  But I'm sure you wouldn't be too surprised (disgusted, yes . . .  surprised, no) if she chooses the boyfriend.  Social services sees that all the time. 

ETA:  I quoted you, jas - do you want me to delete this post?

jasmineh7777

No, it's fine OWN. That part is no secret, I assure you. She already chose the boyfriend, which is why BIL was living with friends. It's no the first time she's chosen a boyfriend either.

missy68

Well, I was kind of thinking more along the lines of getting them both locked up, ya know?

thesuninherhead

I missed your post Jas, but I worked for child protection/social services a couple of years ago. The legislation is somewhat similar, if you need any advice.

 

Personally, whatever the situation- if you are concerned at the welfare of the child involved, I think you should call social services. They may not act on the information, but they can help advise you about resources to assist the family if nothing else.