Children Not Removed from a Filthy Home

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

I have been separated from my ex wife for about 2 years. When i left I was on a fixed income, and unsure of how i would provide a roof over my head and food for myself. I eventually got into a good place, and am now doing well. However, i have 2 children (14 and 11) that still live with their mother. The house they live in is disgustingly filthy and full of junk. CYS got involved 5 months ago, and as of yet have done NOTHING, and the house is worse now than ever (see pics). What can i do or who can i contact to get my kids out of that horrible situation? The children have both expressed to teachers, family, friends, and even the CYS workers that they want out of the house and to live with me, but the workers won't listen. Please help me.
(PICS)
http://imgur.com/a/PlrRe

If it really is still in that condition, I'm at a loss as to why they are still there. Is there any way that you can afford a family law attorney?

I suggest you either 1.File for custody or 2.Tell the kids they need to clean house.

I am trying to save money and find one I can afford, or possibly legal aid that can assist me. And those pictures are less than 24 hours old, sent to me via cell phone by my 14 year old son. I also would expect my children to clean up after themselves within reason, but obviously the mess in that house has very little to do with the children.

It also appears obvious they have no interest in trying to clean it.

I am not arguing with you on that point. But to be fair, when the kids do visit with me, they rarely have to be told to pick up their things. They are normally attentive to taking care of their laundry, dishes, etc. Of course there are times when I have to remind them now and again...they are kids, after all. I am not being argumentative or defending their part in not taking some form of initiative to clean, I am just stating a fact. And i also know that for ANYONE faced with the task of cleaning that place up it would be a daunting task. As an adult it would be a nightmare, as a teen or younger it is not any surprise they don't want to clean the mess up themselves. But that ignores the glaring fact that the ex and her mother (who owns the house they live in) have obviously not done anything for years to keep a decent home for the kids. The stove is covered with who knows what and has been for a good long time, so obviously meals are not getting cooked like they should be. And at the end of the day, it is the responsibility of the parent to provide a clean, safe, and healthy environment for their children. It does not fall on the children to take the role of the parent and do all the cleaning, cooking, etc.

If protective services has investigated and does not agree that the circumstances justify removal, then that's what they decided. You are free to try to speak with the case worker or a supervisor about their determination.

If you believe the children are better off with you, though, you should petition to modify custody and make your case in court.

Call your local TV station maybe? Here, there is a station that has a segment that assists the public when they reach dead ends. i would also call CPS back, everyday, if I had to. Call code enforcement, call anyone who will listen. I wouldn't let up either until those kids are out of there. Def file for full custody asap.

I just re-read...you aren't divorced yet? What is stopping you from going and getting the kids???

I dunno, some of those pictures seemed staged or photo shopped to me. Based on the fact that CYS got involved and haven't done anything leads me to believe that the OP should be very careful about waging a publicity style battle over this. It could lead to problem for him if the situation is not as the photos seem to indicate.

Good point LL. I wouldn't know a photoshop job if it was staring at me!