Alcoholism Support Group

Hi Joe. Do you have any aunts or uncles, or grandparents, even a close adult friend that could step in and help you? I know you don't want to call CPS, but perhaps if there is a person(s) that are familiar with the situation and care, they could help out. Your little brother is depending on you to do the right thing, and if your parents are addicts they cannot care for him properly. Please get help. Love and hugs to you, you will do the right thing.

Morning, Such a Catch 22 to say the least. For me as a child i just did the best I could and tried to be there, for my life with the craziness always around me. I admire your sense of loyalty and care to your brother. I really wish I could do or say something that could help with this . But i 'm afraid hoping for the best and just doing the best to take care of my brothers is what i did as a child. You could go to to Alanon and your bro Alateen, that may be tricky too. I definetely would try that .... And just remember and tell your little brother this to "It is not either of your fault" Journaling about your feelings and trying to just get through A day at a time will also help. If you believe or have faith in God ask for direction. And like I said Its not your fault.
My thoughts and prayers are with you,
Billy

That's a tough one. I think the "aunts and uncles" advice is good. Another option might be to get some independent counciling from a source that is not connected with the state. You can often get this through a larger local church, and churches also have networks of people that might be able to offer some help to both you and your brother, without involving children services.

Damn Joe. You're in a tough spot no doubt. I just wish you well and good for you for being there for your little bro.

Hey there
When I was 12 my dad died and my mom was a crack cocaine addict by the time I was 14. When I was 16 my mom was never home with me and my sister, my apartment manager took notice. One morning before school cops were at the door. I told the officer my mom had not been home upwards of 6 mos. From there I went to school, and that day there was CPS waiting. I was taken to a foster home immediately, and my mother was charged with child neglect and served 9 months in jail. I was 16 and my sis was 14. It was difficult for me because I technically was taking care of myself. I wanted to get emancipated, but where I lived it was not legal. You may want to look into getting emancipated.

To this day I know my experiences with the foster care system have made me stronger, but it also effected my life in so many negative ways. I look back and realize if I never came forward to the officer, if I hadn't I would have never been put thru the system.

It is truly up to you. Foster care may be the best option for your little brother to get him out of that environment. BUT It also has its downsides. He may not stay with the same home, and may be moved around alot. Usually CPS will try to find another family member before putting anyone in a foster home. Your parents need a big wake up call and this may be what they need to get the help they need for their abuse and addictions. I would also look into emancipation, since you are not old enough to take full custody of your brother. If you do call CPS your parents may end up being charged with neglect as well. Pls keep us updated. You seem like a very strong young man, you can get thru this. Look into emancipation and look over all of your options before you make a final decision, but it seems foster care is a better environment for your little brother now.

CPS will also do all that they can to NOT seperate you from your brother, and they will do whatever you can to keep you with a close family member. Me and my sis were never moved to seperate homes, when we were moved, CPS would only find foster parents willing to take on two.

hi bro i am here if you need anything
please give us advace

You need to get some outside advice on this from a counselor or something, nobody here can tell you what to do, cause whatever decision you make is going to affect you, but it sounds like you should make a decision on it. If you can't take it anymore, i would turn them in, cause I come from an alcoholic home and took me years of counseling before I got better, good luck to you.