Am About to Lose Everything

You NEED an Attorney.

RIGHT away, do a search online for "Pro Bono" Attorneys in your State. Or many States have a "Legal Aid Society" in which Lawyers help those who cannot afford it.

Here are some links:
http://www.usattorneylegalservices.com/free-legal-aid-cal...
http://lawyers.justia.com/lawyers/california/fair-oaks

There are different types of 'child custody.' So keep this in mind too.
http://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/types-of-child-cus...
http://www.legalmatch.com/law-library/article/types-of-ch...

Call your local Catholic Charities. They might be able to hook you up with another job to help cover the loss of the SSDI payment or be able to give you temporary financial assistance if necessary. They may also be able to refer you to someone -- hopefully an attorney who does pro bono work -- to help you out with your CPS situation.

This truly is a difficult situation. Unfortunatley, these types of things are unpredictable.

What can you do...
1. If your a hard worker and have a history of working 3 jobs, you should be able to find another job. Working part time, you have time to look for another job. Yes, jobs are hard to find, but employers are always looking for good employees who are willing to work hard.
2. Have a garage sale and sell items you don't need. If you'll be moving in with someone, or just renting a room, you won't be needing a lot of the items you have lying arround.
3. If your friends are truly your friends, then you can impose on them for a short period of time.
4 Contact DSS.
5. Contact the Salvation Army.

The SSDI you receive is for your son, not for you. If SSDI is paying his expenses then you should be able to pay for your own.

Added: It seems like some people do not like the fact that I mentioned SSDI is to pay for the child's expenses. These expenses would include a portion of the rent for the space he occupies, the portion of utilities he uses, his education, his clothing , his medical expenses. If the child should leave the home, the expenses would decrease. As far as the portion of spaced that the child occupies, could possibly rented out by a roommate.

I truly hope that the child is allowed to stay with his mother because based on the information that has been provided, it's obviously the best place for him. However, we all know that when dealing with the legal system and CPS, things are unpredictable.

Holy cow! You've got a lot going on right now.

Do you qualify for any other aid?

Sorry you've taken some flack with this question. Yes-the SSDI is for your son--but he needs a roof over his head and electricity and food, people! Sheesh.

Keep looking as far as employment goes and I agree that jobs are scarce but it only takes O.--hope you find O..

As Theresa suggested, try Legal Aid for legal advice and representation.

I have to say that my Aunt works for SS in Ohio and she told me once(regarding a question about a mom spending her daughters money on rent) that legally the money can go for the care of the child and I would say a roof over his head and food in his belly is his care. I think if someone doesn't ACTUALLY know the facts of what they are giving an opinion about they shouldn't make themselves look foolish and make a firm statement. Good luck to you keep your spirits up for your sanity and your sons he will need a strong mom if this situation turns really ugly. Also definatly get a lawyer.

J.,

I will be praying for you during this difficult situation. Keep your head up and try and be strong for your son.

I don't know a whole lot about these issues, but do know CPS in the Sacramento area doesn't have a great reputation. There have been stories in the Bee of kids being left in truly abusive homes and dying. They're overworked at CPS and it doesn't sound like they're taking quick action, so things may not be as urgent as you think.

That said, I agree with others to get an attorney. You want to be armed with the right experts to help you.

I'm so sorry for the situation you are facing right now. I think you have gotten some good advice already. I just wanted to point out one issue that I think you should be cautious about. You mentioned a couple of times that your ex is blind, brain damaged, and has seizures. Did he have this condition when you created the child together? I only ask because the fact that someone is blind and has seizures doesn't mean that can't love and parent a child successfully. If you need to fight him, don't do it based on his disability. Instead of showing why he would be a bad parent, try showing why you would be a good one. I'm not in your shoes, and I don't know all of the details. I know you mentioned some medical issues of your own and you wouldn't want him to use those against you. Be careful because he will surely fight fire with fire.
I hope you have some kind of a support network to see you through this. I wish for only the best for your son and the rest of you. No matter what the outcome, your son is who matters most.

Only advice I have is to call the Legal Aid Society in your County. Just google Legal Aid Society in Fair Oaks or something to that effect. They may (or may not)be able to help you.

I want to have faith in the system and trust they will not take a child away from it's mother (or other full time guardian) unless there is extreme neglect/danger.
So if that is not the case, just do what you ALWAYS do and everything will be fine. If there is something you're leaving out of this story, well that's different.

Good Luck, I'll be praying for you and your son.

(btw, never be too proud to ask for help from friends or family. Is there no way you'll ever be able to be there for them?)

J.,
Do your best to think positive, in most cases like this , they wouldn't remove your son, unless they (CPS) can factuallly prove you an unfit Mom, you've taken care of him all his life, I'm assuming without any problem. Dad doesn't sound as though he is capable of caring for your son.
Pray about it, I know it sounds cliche , but, I truly believe that when God closes a door , he opens another, (tho, sometimes it may seem it's a window instead)! Go to your church (if you have one) lots of times you'll find a network of info and people that own busunesses , or know someone who does. I raised 3 kids by myself, without child support for 14 yrs, and I babysat at home, did ironing at home, cleaned apartments and homes when I could find them, so there are some opportunities out there ,you just have to be creative. Even part time work is better than none ! Don't short change yourself.
Shame on those moms who are passing judgement, until you've walked a mile in those shoes, ..... (Rent is a living expense both parent and child benefit from.)

C. S.

I don't know a lot about these kind of situations, but my sister who is a licensed clinical social worker in another state says things have to be pretty bad before they take your kids away. There are so many sad abusive situations that the state is over run with, they don't just go taking kids away willy nilly. And even if there is a problem in the home, they are more likely to work with you than just take him away. It really is not in any bodies best interest to take kids away from loving parents who do a reasonable job caring for them.

Hi J.,

I just read your new post today (3-22) that you have to get your son back...was he taken away over the weekend?? You have a lot going on but you have to provide for your son. I worked with my teenage daughter and her boyfriend over the summer to give them pointers on finding jobs as well. It is important to use the time job hunting as a job. Be persistant, don't just drop off applications...find out who the hiring manager is and follow up on a weekly basis. Expand and add several more opportunities every week. They need to know to hire you over your competition. Best of luck!!