#TeenAdoption #FosterCare #FamilySupport
Hey everyone! 👋 I need some advice on a tough situation I’m going through. My brother is 16, I’m 18, and our parent is really sick and not going to recover. I’ve been doing my best to take care of him, but now that I have a job, it’s becoming too overwhelming. 🤯
Here’s some more info:
– We’re in NYC 🗽
– My brother is autistic 🧩
– We don’t have any other family in the country 🚫👪
I’d like to know:
1. What is the process for putting a teen up for adoption or into foster care?
2. Any tips for finding the right resources and support in this situation?
3. What are some other possible solutions that I might not have considered?
I’d really appreciate any insight or advice you all can offer. Let’s help each other out! 💪 #CommunitySupport
You need to get CPS involved again.
First, I’m so sorry. This is a burden that you shouldn’t have to carry. Every child deserves to be protected from the world, and I’m sorry that you and your brother aren’t getting that.
CPS is the best option to help you navigate this issue. And I’m assuming there is no trust or other financial assistance that would allow other options. However, I also recommend that you search for organizations in your area that assist with these issues. If you can get your brother into an assisted living facility paid for by Medicaid or other state funds, that might be a great compromise that will take weight off your shoulders.
Is there any other family that would be willing to take in your brother?
Your brother may be eligible for ss survivor benefits when your parent passes, it might be enough to ease the burden on you to continue caring for him til he’s 18.
Definitely get CPS involved. There are long term and intermediate care facilities that would be paid my SSA, SSI & SSDI. CPS would start those application processes. Depending on his ability level he could also live in a CLA (Community Living Arrangement). That is where he could live in a regular house with a few other residents and a staff to help with their daily lives. That is what most organizations are leaning towards these days. They aren’t wearhoused like in the old days. I work at a nonprofit (most of them are) with locations in Southwest and Northwest PA. If he is able, some day he could live on his own with people that come by to coach and assist. Good luck 🍀. My heart goes out to you. God bless.
Just an option, but you can also talk to a state social worker about possibly getting someone in to help take care of him. Like an at home nurse. I doubt you make enough not to qualify at 18. It is a big responsibility to take care of another human that is substantially more difficult at your age. You are doing great OP, it’s exhausting.
You need to call them and tell them you can no longer care for him.
Does your brother get support because of his disability?
You are going to need to do this now because he is 16 remember when he is 18 he will loose all of his child benefits and need to have adult services. – probably not saying this right but my point is with the autism he will need care his whole life not just until he is 18
What kind of school program is your brother in? If he’s in a D75 program, the school will likely have more recommendations for resources. He is entitled to Special Education services until the year he turns 21.
If you haven’t yet, you also need to start the OPWDD Front Door process immediately. This will get you access to care and respite services. It is also ok to re-open the ACS case – they can help you navigate getting care for your brother while keeping you as his legal guardian if that’s what you want.
Your brother may qualify for social security based off your income due to his disability. Also other care services to help ease the burden. The thought of you wanting to give up your 16 year old brother is wild.. see what resources are available
Before doing such a thing
In our state you can do shared living and get untaxed income which might replace what you make or supplement enough to help. There’s also the options of getting a worker who can take him to his appointments/ care for him when you aren’t there and even teach daily living skills