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Child is left on porch of person parent knows with note explaining reason and person wants to keep baby what are legal issues
Anonymous4 views3 answers
I am teacher; child's mother illegal; identity of mom unknown to me but I'm known to her; leaves child on porch w note to care for, keep, adopt child... which I want to ....what are the legal ramifications....can I keep/adopt the child
No you cannot just "keep" the child. You must report the abandoned child to the police. If you want to apply to foster and eventually adopt the child you may do so, but you must go through the procedure.
This is a very delicate situation. Although the other attorneys answers are options, there is also a third option. You can go to your local probate and family court and file for temporary guardianship of the minor child. This may cause the court to file a child abuse and neglect report against the biological parents and an investigation to follow but the court will likely run you criminal record and those adults in your household and if you are appropriate caretakers the court may grant you temporary guardianship. I would consult with an attorney who is seasoned in cases with the family court and with the department of children and families. I wish you the best!
