Filing for Custody of a Sibling

My question involves child abuse or neglect in the State of: Maryland

My 11 year old sister is stuck in the middle of her parents abusive relationship. Our dad has started drinking and smoking marijuana and has subsequently started being physically abusive toward his wife (my sisters mom) and emotionally abusive toward them both. He has threatened to kill his wife and when my sister called the cops he told her that if she ever did it again that "something bad would happen" to her. My sister's mom just keeps going back with no regard to the safety of her child or herself. I would like to file for temporary custody of my sister and at least get some sort of mandated therapy for the parents.

I am 27 years old and have a toddler of my own if it makes a difference.

I don't know what to do but I can't keep sitting back and watching them destroy her life. Please help.

If the child is at risk, you need to call social services.

Otherwise you have no standing to interfere, nor can you force the parents into therapy.

You can go to court and file for emergency custody but make sure she's with you and have her tell them what her father is doing and her mother is allowing it to happen. More than likely they will side with you

Quote:

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Quoting Taylor Michele Musselman

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More than likely they will side with you

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Did somebody find that long-lost crystal ball? If so, I'd like a peek!


OP, as much as I am not the biggest fan of child protective services, speaking with them may really be your best/only option. If they do not see enough danger to take action, you will have a hard time convincing a judge to usurp the constitutional rights of the parents in this situation and send kiddo to live with you.

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Just realized the original post is from last November. Sorry.


Why are we resurrecting the past here??