Looking after nephew short term/long term, advice please!

[leia36]

Hi

I am in a bit of shock.

But to cut a long story very short I am taking care of my nephew as of tomorrow for the forseeable future. Possibly 3 months, maybe longer.

My brother is a single parent and has a drink problem and suffers from depression he cannot look after himself, let alone his son, none of my family realised things were so bad. So, I've stepped in and offered to take care of him.

My mother called Social Services today and explained the situation and they told her that it was fine for a relative to take care of him. I am quite shocked that this is the case, no checks have been done or anything.

Anyway, if that is the case then how do I proceed?

I plan on enrolling him into my childrens primary school tomorrow morning.

I don't really know what I'm asking, just hoping someone can advise me on how to proceed.

We have 4 children and we have a good home, can provide my nephew with the things he needs most, love and attention.

I have no practical advice to give just wanted to say "yay to you" for stepping in and offering to help.

Thank you Bigbadmummy!

I'm a bit dazed by it all tbh!!

eek - no advice (except be as loving and helpful and understanding as is humanely possible)

bump

it will take a week and then it will feel like he has been there forever, don't doubt yourself one bit

I think what you're doing is wonderful for your nephew and I hope it works out in the longterm for you all, he deserves to be surrounded by people who love him while your db sorts himself out.

best of luck to you all

Wow, Leia - what a wonderful thing to do. I have no experience of this at all but I suspect that with your wealth of experience raising 4 children, that raising a 5th will be fine. Enrolling him in school seems like a good first step. Then the doctors - perhaps you need to check if he's okay and has had all his jabs etc?

Won't you need somw sort of formal guardianship so you can make decisions on his behalf? Otherwise you could end up not being able to actually makwe decisions on his schooling, or on any medical treatment that may be necessary.