My question involves a child custody case from the State of: PA
Ok, kind of long complicated story, but here goes..
7 years ago, my sister and her baby were placed in my care until my sister and the baby's father completed a "plan" through Children and Youth. The baby's father has never completed his "plan" and therefore it was stated that he would not have any rights until he did in fact complete his "plan." My sister was granted full custody via Children and Youth and the courts. My sister moved out (of my house) and moved on and we will fast forward to the current issue..
The child is now 7 years old and the father had the child for an overnight visit and will not return the child. He told the child's school that the mother is "a junkie and homeless" and they allowed him to change her info over to his. NOONE will get involved, legal aide will not help. The cops will not get involved because they say the custody order is not sufficient and it is just not in their line of business. The school contends that the custody order is not enough for them to do anything. We have contacted the judge who signed the custody order and was told that it is valid and nothing more should be needed, but he offered no further assistance. Legal Aid told my sister to file a Contempt Of Court petition. She cannot afford a lawyer on her income - she is receiving SSI only. I am not understanding why noone can help physically get her daughter back. I thought that's what custody orders are for. Can someone, anyone please point us in the right direction or offer some assistance? The father is using the child as a pawn at this point. He has never provided for the child and has no true interest in the child other than to cause pain to my sister.

