How to Locate a Child in Social Services Custody
In most cases, the state won’t take a child and place them in social services custody unless there is no other option. When you find out that a child you love such as a family member or friend's child has been placed in the care of social services, most people will do anything to get them out and into a home that doesn't belong to a stranger.
- Gather as much information as you can about the mother of the child in social services custody that you want to find. Any information that you can give such as their name, where they are, date of birth and their Social Security number, if possible, are all going to help you locate the child more easily.
- Call the social services office in your area. Tell them the situation, what your relation to the child is and all the information you have gathered about the parents of the child. You may have to call a different social services office in a different location depending on where the parents' case is. The receptionist that you speak with should be able to give you all that information on the phone.
- When you speak to the social worker that is handling the case of the child, tell her what your relation to the child is and request that you be considered as a placement resource for the child. They may have very specific questions for you and may request a background check and a drug screen.
- Comply with the social worker's requests so that you can gain temporary custody of the child.
- If you are looking to gain permanent custody of the child, research the laws in the state where the case is being managed. Also, speak with the social worker about your desire to permanently adopt the child.