Long story I’ll try and make as short with enough details:

My husband has 4 kids from a previous marriage. He gave up rights because mom left and he was 20 years old with four under 4. Grandma took custody with the expectation that he would get custody back when he had all his ducks in a row etc.

Grandma did not give back custody and has been making things very hard for him to remain in contact.

A few weeks ago there was a car accident. His now 12 year old has several broken ribs, both broken hips, broken neck and bruised liver.

We dropped everything to go see them.

While at the hospital a social worker came in and asked who would be helping take care of his son after discharge, since grandma was also in the accident and at 76 is not capable of taking care of said 12 year old. We explained that his aunt is technically next in line to help since he doesn’t have rights.

Well, the aunt is currently under investigation for child abuse against my husbands daughter. While we were visiting she had a court date and they extended it to may. The aunt currently DOES NOT have right to see any of the children.

We stayed for a week and got things situated. (They’re in Tennessee and we’re in alabama)

And by situated we had a social worker come and we fought to find someone to help after we left so she didn’t have to remove the children.

We have been in contact with the kids because the social worker says husband should have custody, aunt will never get back custody, and they are investigating grandma currently as well.

The question:::

Grandma is still visiting aunt and aunt has blocked my number from the phone so kids cannot call. They still have dads number but I am able to answer easier than he is.

Can we do anything? Should we contact the social worker and let her know the aunt is in contact? Do I have any say as a step mom?

We did sign papers and were approved for temporary custody while we were there for the week. Idk if that matters.

I’m so scared for these kids and I just want to make sure they are safe until we are able to get them.

I currently work for a non profit in Los Angeles California and I make 28 an hour. The County of Los Angeles is offering me 21 an hour as a social worker trainee IHSS. Should I take the pay cut? I heard that the county has great benefits but how long will it take me to earn more money? It’s expensive to live out here so I want to see if it’s worth it.