Thanks for all of the information. I am so sorry for you and for your granddaughter. It must be so difficult for you to try to give your granddaughter a sense of normalcy.

Unfortunately, the only way that you will be able to gain temporary/permanent custody of your granddaughter is to make a complaint to The Department of Children and Family Services.

Below is a link to the Department's website:

http://www.state.il.us/dcfs/child/index.shtml

If you make a complaint, within 24 hours, an investigator will contact you and also speak to your granddaughter confidentially. If there is cause to open a case against your daughter and the father, it may be possible that your granddaughter is placed with you. The Department's goal is to, first and foremost, ensure your granddaughter's safety. Given the description of your daughter's problems, the issues with the father, and what your granddaughter has had to witness, your granddaughter may be taken into protective custody pending a hearing in the family court. You could come forward and seek to become temporary guardian. Her parents may come under the jurisdiction of the court and have to do a myriad of things so as go regain custody of your granddaughter. Some of those things may include parenting classes, alcohol and drug testing, substance abuse counseling, no criminal convictions, and any other conditions placed on the parents by the court.

You really are in a position where you HAVE to report the abuse and neglect of your granddaughter. You KNOW that your granddaughter is at risk. If something were to happen to her (God forbid), you may NEVER forgive yourself.

If your granddaughter's father hasn't seen her but once in the last year, it is doubtful that he will return to take custody of her. Even if he were to try, if the department or court did not find him to be a proper person to have custody of your granddaughter, the court could appoint you as temporary guardian. As such, you would have the ability to make medical and legal decisions for your granddaughter and become eligible for services for you and for her.

I know that you are afraid that your granddaughter's father may try to take her, but if you don't report the abuse, something bad could happen to your granddaughter.

Best of luck to you.

I hope you find this information useful and that you PRESS THE GREEN ACCEPT BUTTON so that I can get credit for answering the question. Thank you.

I can certainly appreciate your position. But unless your daughter gets help, she will not be a good mom to your granddaughter. Also, and very importantly, if your daughter takes a drink and gets behind the wheel of car and gets into an Accident, you daughter, granddaughter or another innocent person may be injured or killed.

Your granddaughter is very impressionable at her age. You are trying to protect her in your own way. You may think that she is happy, but deep inside she is probably deeply hurting. Children are very smart and also want to please the grown ups around them. She may see how much you are hurting and may put on a good front for you. She may be embarrassed by her mother's behavior and wonders why her mother isn't like her friends' mothers.

Maybe there is some way you can talk to a school counselor about what is going on. The counselor may be able to direct you to other community resources available to you, your granddaughter and your daughter.

Maybe you might consider calling Protective Services and asking about assistance. You can do it anonymously. You can also ask how the investigative process works, and if a grandparent can get temporary custody in this type of situation.

I applaud you for wanting to to the best for your granddaughter. Please know that if you decide to make a complaint, there may be services available.

Good luck to you and to your family.