Posted by utopizen on October 4, 2002, at 12:19:13
In reply to Re: I don't know how old your kids are..., posted by mair on September 30, 2002, at 21:21:42
Talk to the D.A.'s office, a lawyer, anyone you can find.
The Sherrifs may be easy to contact and know how to file papers if they have the desire to, but they don't monopolize the government.
Talk to the district court, make an appointment with the D.A.'s office. They exist to serve you, and the Sherrif's office can't stop you from going there.
Also, I strongly urge you to contact Social Services. They have counselers who can counsel the kids no matter what happens. And they have experience in these cases. They can go in and observe what your kids say about you and will help you in convincing the judge you're the one who's looking out for your kids. But do it soon- otherwise you ARE negligent in a court of law, even if you can point to the Sherrif's negligence. That's just how negligence works.
And if you're religious, see your clergy. They may be the most approachable people for you at this time, because they take the burden off of having to make a case for yourself.
But use your resources wisely- and it looks like you are moving in that direction. If one department isn't responsive, go to another. Get on the phone with social services, they'll counsel you on what to do. Get to a meeting with AA, they'll let you know how to cope and who to speak to, and probably invaluable pointers on what to do to make your case.
People are out there to help you, and you seem wise enough at this point to use these people are resources.
And after this is all said and done, do whatever you can to ensure long-term treatment for your kids -and- you. And let them know when they see the 7th grade movie in health class showing an alcoholic family they're not defined by that.
You're not what textbooks call "the classic enabler." You know what to do, and you mustn't lose your drive.
poster:utopizen
thread:30678
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20020924/msgs/30805.html