How to Get Custody of a Neglected Godchild
- 1). Talk to the parent. If the parent agrees to give you custody, you can go to court together and file a consent order for custody. You file the complaint and the parent will file the answer.
- 2). Report the neglect if you believe the child is in danger and the parent does not consent to giving up custody. You can call the authorities in your state or you can call 1800-4-A-Child to report neglect.
- 3). Get in touch with your godchild's caseworker. You can call child protective services in your state and let the agency know that you have a relationship with a child who is under investigation. Offer to meet with the social worker and talk to him about how you know about the neglect. You might have the evidence the social worker needs.
- 4). Register as a foster parent. Be prepared to take over parenting responsibilities for the child. Complete the needed paperwork and background checks to become a registered foster parent; then, if the court finds that neglect occurred, you will be able to step in. If there is not enough time to become a foster parent, many case workers will take take that into account.
- 5). Testify in court if needed. The social worker may ask you to testify in court regarding how you know that your godchild is neglected. You might be one of the few witnesses available.
- 6). Adopt the child if the parent does not rehabilitate and his rights are severed. The parent generally has over a year to rehabilitate.
Source...