Can't get a straight answer...Child in danger: please advise.

[Mz1Tall1]

Brief Overview: I live in Florida and I have custody of my 9 year old grandson since birth, his grandfather (in the residence) is a very military type disaplinarian who often uses emotional/verbal abuse as a means of control.

Problem: I have found marijuana "roaches" inside cigarette packs in several locations of the house as well as a smoking pipe, none of which is hidden out of view.

Question: I need my grandson away from this: do I call the police? If I call police will it even be enough quantity to convict or will he be sent right back home? Do I take grandson to a safe house?

My fear: DSS/DCF will remove grandson from my care if I do nothing.

Thank you for any suggestions you have.

Dee

[G35 Mass]

If you don't do anything, you're equally responsible for the child being in the environment. In that case, neither of you are are appropriate caretakers and the child will likely be removed from your care.

Yes, the PD is a good place to start. If they can't help you, they can refer you to help.

[Mz1Tall1]

Thank you G35..that is exactly right regarding me doing nothing and that is not a chance I am willing to take. Thank you for your response.

[retdetsgt]

The police cannot keep the grandfather out of the home. Verbal and emotional abuse are VERY hard to prove and children's services are reluctant to do much about that. It's also doubtful they will remove the child over a little marijuana use these days. If they removed every child where one or more of the parents smoked marijuana, there wouldn't be 1/4 enough foster homes. You will have to file divorce, get a judgment, etc. if you want keep the child away from him.

You might contact an attorney dealing with child issues and talk to him. Otherwise, removing you and the child from him is about the only option.

[Samuel]

Brief Overview: I live in Florida and I have custody of my 9 year old grandson since birth

Ok, you've had custody of your grandson - meaning he's been living with you and under your care Since Birth?!

, his grandfather

"his grandfather"? you mean your HUSBAND OR what? :confused:

(in the residence) is a very military type disaplinarian who often uses emotional/verbal abuse as a means of control.

And just how long as "the grandfather" been living with you and with your grandson?

Problem: I have found marijuana "roaches" inside cigarette packs in several locations of the house as well as a smoking pipe, none of which is hidden out of view.

That is the problem? Not the emotional/verbal abuse??? You "have found" MJ in the house - so whom do you think it belongs to? Who else lives at the house? How long has this been going on???


Question: I need my grandson away from this: do I call the police? If I call police will it even be enough quantity to convict or will he be sent right back home? Do I take grandson to a safe house?

Whose house is it? Do you have sole custody? Whom do you want "convicted"? And is this happening all of a sudden or has it been happening for 9 years?

My fear: DSS/DCF will remove grandson from my care if I do nothing.
Thank you for any suggestions you have.
Dee

Your situation or at least your description of your situation doesn't make much sense and needs more clarification. Best to talk to someone in person.