Legal Question in Family Law in Massachusetts

Guardianship through DSS

I have been a foster mother to my niece for 1 1/2 yrs and they want me to become guardian. I live in CT but this is a case in a MA court. I told DSS that I could not be guardian not because I dont want to but because I cannot afford it. After I became foster i found out through a friend that I was intitled to a stipend and day care benefits. When I asked DSS about this lets say they were not happy that I even found out. It took me a year of practially begging them to cover day care for her. I have a daughter of my own who also is in day care. I had to leave a job that I was at for over 10 years to be closer because with 2 kids the 2 hour a day commute just got to be to much. I took a big pay cut with this move. The agencies tell me that I HAVE to sign the papers - the papers only state how I am going to cater to the parents. Besides not agreeing with what the guardianship agrmt states - I have been told there is NO financial help.They told me I could APPLY for a stipnd after I sign the papers.They tell me I am not a party to this matter and I HAVE NO CHOICE how is that possible? I know that long term foster agreements can worked out. The court date is in June - how do I make them understand that I will NOT be signing??


Asked on 3/27/07, 8:17 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys



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