Bear with me because this is super confusing! Our daughter has been living with her grandmother in Texas since 2017, and her dad and I live in California. My mother-in-law has a Permanency Care Assistance Agreement, but there’s no final order, and our rights are still intact. Recently, it was agreed that she could move back home with us since our lifestyle has changed, and we now have stable housing. She’s expressed wanting to come back to California with us!
But here’s the crazy part—she’s been struggling with her identity, and her grandmother found out by snooping. Grandma has started being emotionally and mentally abusive, and there was even a physical incident not long ago. It’s been so bad that our daughter has self-harmed and considered suicide. About three weeks ago, she called CPS and reported her grandmother. Now there’s an open case with the Alternative Response Department.
During this time, we’ve contacted CPS and communicated that it’s in her best interest to move back with us. Grandma wants a permission slip to relinquish her plan and hand her over to us. We had a flight booked for her, but grandma pulled the rug out from under us and is playing games. She was initially on board, and I have all of it recorded in texts and voice notes.
I need to know if we’re within our rights to go pick her and her things up for school after Thanksgiving break. What documentation should we have to protect ourselves in case grandma tries to claim we’re kidnapping her? I don’t want to go in unprepared and risk ending up in jail. My husband wants to just save her, but I need to figure out the legal side of this. Please help!
Wow, that sounds really tough. I think it’s crucial to have documentation ready, like any texts or recordings that show the agreement. Maybe also get something in writing from CPS if possible.
Lior said:
Wow, that sounds really tough. I think it’s crucial to have documentation ready, like any texts or recordings that show the agreement. Maybe also get something in writing from CPS if possible.
Good point! Having proof of the agreement will help a lot if things get messy.
Cael said:
Definitely contact a family lawyer before you go. They can give you the best advice on what to bring and how to handle the situation legally.
Yes! A lawyer can help you understand your rights better and prepare you for any potential backlash.