Legal Question in Family Law in Illinois

A 17 y.o. has a 2 y.o. baby that I have been getting/watching since birth. The mother dropped the baby off to me on Dec 19 and I still have the baby. Can I file for custody? When she dropped the baby off, she gave me 1/2 bag of diapers & 2 outfits, no winter coat. She does call 1-2 times per week. The reason she needed me to keep the baby was because she doesn't have money to feed her, although she does get state assistance for the child.


Asked on 1/16/12, 9:08 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Sue Roberts-Kurpis, Esq. Law Office of Sue Roberts-Kurpis

You should contact DCFS immediately as well as the local police to file a report for child neglect. You don't say how old you are or whether there are any other children. Hopefully this young mother has family who will help her but if not DCFS needs to be involved. They can help provide her will services that she needs. You can file for custody but you won't get it. You might be allowed to foster the child temporarily while DCFS looks for family and tries to contact the father, if known. Whatever you do you should not hide this child or continue to "watch" him without notifying DCFS. This girl and her baby need professional help that you cannot provide.

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Answered on 1/16/12, 11:16 am


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