I seldom write a diary, but am so at my wits end, I am reaching out for any help or suggestions. Here are the pertinent facts: over the fold
UPDATE for some of the responses: did try to do a temp tranfer of POA signed by mother and notarized; faxed to caseworker and got no response. Regional administrator said she was out on medical leave and would get supervisor to contact me. Never happened. Also said document could not be used once DCS got involved.
We live in two diffrent states they in TN, we in NC, so it has been hard to communicate. When grandmother went down to get them when this first happened, the police threatened to arrest her and charge her with kidnapping.
The Mother is currently serving time in a correctional institute in Florida.
She sent two daughters to live with father during this time in TN.
The Mother was never married to father; legal/primary custody was never given to father (and father nor current wife has sought court sanctioned custody. No termination of mother’s parental rights have occurred.)
Father was arrested and charged with (felony?) abuse and neglect charges of the children in question, but is now back in the home.
Ages of children: 14 and 16
Children revealed that they are living under stressful and intimidating conditions; mental abuse since school reported bruises on children to Department of Children’s Services. They have repeatedly expressed that they do not want to remain at the residence. They are repeatedly told by the wife that no one is forcing them to stay and they are free to leave whenever they want. However, if they attempt to leave the wife threatens to call the police and report them as runaways.
The grandmother already has custody on the oldest sibling, who was visiting and witnessed the assault on the other sisters.
New Developments: 16yo discovered she’s pregnant, and father/wife have stated they will not make any provisions to help her, she better "get that boy who got you pregnant to help" boy is in jail and 16yo feels has no choice but to have an abortion but doesn’t want to. Calls grandmother crying and upset, Grandmother is livid.
Mother is aware of what’s going on and has expressed her desire for children to be allowed to go live with grandmother. Oh yeah, mother just received letter at facility from the court that children have been placed in state protective custody, but as of last night the kids were still at home.
Problem: TN DCS will not let mother’s family in the loop. Says cannot unless mother gives permission. No one tell us how to do that, and no one will return calls. Calls have been made to caseworker, regional administrator, Omsbudsman and the lawyer appointed for the children and basically we’re being jerked around. Have also contacted Children’s Rights Organization, as TN DCS got sued basically for being awful at what they do and part of the settlement was to be monitored by this organization. CAN ANYONE OFFER INFORATION SUGGESTIONS???