My brother was murdered in 2001. The girlfriend disappeared with the children {2}. She left a message on 9/13/04. Found the children 9/15/04 in the custody of Great Aunt and Uncle. Took 2 months to get phone calls, which I continue weekly. I finally got a attorney last month. I am widow with 3 children {1 handicapped} and now 2 granddaughters both 3. AZ does not believe in next of kin. As long as they find suitable placement for the children they have to look no further. Family advocacy went as far as to tell me that if you grew up calling a friend aunt or grandmom they are family. I have checked with 3 other states so far,FL.,PA.,& NV they all said they start with immediate family first. This was supposed to be temporary and now they worked it that the Mother is being severed of her rights. Even though its becoming permanent now they say the children have been there for a year and settled. The Great Uncle is no blood kin whatsoever but a doctor and lots of money. I drive a school bus and can't compete but yet to CPS workers (off the record) tell me you don't want the children to end up in that home permanent. I'm 2500 miles away. Well we're still waiting on the Judges ruling as to wether to make me a party to the case but my attorney thinks she will be stripped by christmas. Keep your fingers crossed, say a prayer or whatever your comfortable with. Its like a slap in the face, My brother is murdered, his killer goes free, thats not enough we loose his children. But justice will prevail.
