Grandmother Has Custody, Mother Took Child to Another State and Won't Return Her

My question involves a child custody case from the State of: NY & PA

In 1999 Court awarded Sole custody to the child's grandmother. Grandmother says bio-mom's rights were terminated. 2011 Bio-mom took child (12yrs old at time) to PA and refuses contact with grandparents. Grandmother went to local police that told her it was a family matter and she should contact a lawyer. She had no money to contact a lawyer and gave up. She no longer has a copy of her custody orders and doesn't seem terribly interested in obtaining them (I have offered to drive and pay for them but she makes excuses). Is there anything a non-party can do to report this possible kidnapping. I can't get records of proof but can I report it to authorities to possibly investigate? If so, who would I call? Thank you

Grandma needs to get a copy of the actual orders ASAP.

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Quoting Dogmatique

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Grandma needs to get a copy of the actual orders ASAP.

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I agree. If mom's rights were really terminated, possibly due to a CPS case, then grandma could get into a whole lot of trouble over this if she doesn't actively pursue getting the child back.

That's exactly what I was thinking too, L.

:)

To be honest, I'm quite angry and disgusted at the grandmother's lack of action. I don't know if there was CPS involvement or if her claims that bio-mom's rights were terminated are true...I just feel like I need to do something for this child. I know the bio-mother has multiple charges of Endangering the welfare of children (in 2006), domestic Violence (multiple over years), assault (multiple over years), and Disorderly conduct-engaged in fighting (most recent being a few months ago where police reports say the 14 yr old was present). The CPS division ,where we found out she is, refuses to investigate...
I guess I was just hoping to find some loophole to help this child...
Thanks again, Maybe if I tell the grandmother she could face charges she will get off her butt, but then she may cut ties with me all together...I don't know????

The thing is, you have no legal standing to do anything.

And I do NOT recommend you threaten Grandma.

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Quoting Dogmatique

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The thing is, you have no legal standing to do anything.

And I do NOT recommend you threaten Grandma.

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No, but there is nothing wrong with warning grandma that she could face charges if the mom's rights were actually terminated.

Grandma has agreed to let me take her to the courthouse tomorrow to get the most recent custody order. I was told that CPS in NY was not involved but they were in 2006 in PA when bio-mom was arrested for Endangering the welfare of a child.
Now my question is...If it turns out that Bio-Mom's rights where in fact terminated, who do I take her to or have her call? If bio-mom only has visitation rights, again, what does grandma do?
Thank you :)

When grandma has the court orders in hand, and knows both what custody rights she has and the status of the mother's parental rights, share those facts with us.

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Quoting stepmom75

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Grandma has agreed to let me take her to the courthouse tomorrow to get the most recent custody order. I was told that CPS in NY was not involved but they were in 2006 in PA when bio-mom was arrested for Endangering the welfare of a child.
Now my question is...If it turns out that Bio-Mom's rights where in fact terminated, who do I take her to or have her call? If bio-mom only has visitation rights, again, what does grandma do?
Thank you :)

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If Mom's rights were terminated then I suggest the only thing you do is help grandma get an attorney. Mom has had the child for a long time and this could get very messy for everyone involved.

Who are you in this situation?