Why does DCS not remove children from homes where lice, fleas, scabies and mange are? Also this place has an awful sickening smell, where all these animals have feces and urine in their not including all the dieases they have. Does DCS think this is a fit place? One of these little girls goes to Westover Elementary School and parents should be aware of that too. Even when the child goes to school her clothes smell like that trailer. Is there nothing that can be done about how DCS handles these matters?

I'm in sorta the same shape as Gramarouie. I have a grandchild that lives in trailer and has had head lice for months, also fleas and scabies, caused by dogs with mange in house. DCS seems to think this is fine, altho they did tell her that she had to move. Well, hoop de doo, she won't change her ways with moving. She has been a filthy person ever since I've known her. On Family First and has a live in boyfriend who punishes the children. Both on drugs, but DCS just don't know how or doesn't care how to handle this situation. Like the other grandmother, I have raised this child for 5 years. She stayed with me more than her mother. Would still be that way if not for school. I think Tennessee needs to be made aware of the poor job that DCS is doing. They are for the "so called" mothers, than for the children whom they are supposed to be defending and protecting. I feel for you. I do pray your situation gets better, but don't depend on DCS.

I am in the same situation, my grandsons lived with me and I helped raise them for 6 yrs. There mother my daughter passed away last nov. And the boys were devastated, there biologal father decided that he was going to get them, I have a big problem with the boys safety with him, one of the reasons my daughter left and moved to michigan. They need alot of counseling and they did have it here every week, he dosn't have a home, he rents a room in his friends house, and theboys have nothing, everything is still here, I'm dealing with it, not easy, I am going to write a letter to the principle to giver her/him and idea what they may be going through, suggested by the boys counselor here. Also I did talk with the child protective service there and made them aware. Whether anything comes of it, this is all I can do at the moment. There father discovered ss death benefits, that's why he wants them, and there is no bond with him and the youngest which is 6yrs now. If I can get some answers I will pst it.

Greatschools has a small group of grandmothers that might be of interest to you: community.greatschools.net/groups/14756
Also, depending on the age of your grandkids, you might want to join some of the other "general" groups, like "Kindergarten Parents" (it's okay for grandparents, too) or "Prevent Bullying...."
On the left side of this page, there's a menu that says "Groups" and you can look through all of them for ones that seem interesting...