u/Salt-Wrangler6098

TLDR: would I be a bad sister if I went through DCF to get guardianship of my nephew, until my sister goes to rehab and gets her life together? After she ghosted me saying she would look into/ go into rehab.

My older sister F(31) just admitted to me (F25) recently that she’s doing a lot of hard drugs. She then let me know because of this, she would need to attend an inpatient rehab. She gave birth to my nephew who is 3.5 yrs old, and my favorite person I absolutely adore him.
She asked me if I would take him, as she then went on to explain SHE AND HER FRIEND WERE DOING IT IN THE HOUSE WITH HIM THERE!!! Then they were still “watching” him after that (I’m still trying to get over this part).

I took my nephew immediately and he is staying with me. I am willing to absolutely anything and everything I can to provide him a loving, stable, and safe environment. When I initially picked my nephew up I had her sign a form that gave me POA, since I really wasn’t sure what to do in this situation.

Anyway as it turns out I needed her to sign quite a bit more paperwork. As soon as she does this I can get him into summer daycare then pre K. Then I can get benefits that all go towards my nephew.

Only issue is that now she’s ghosting me, and I have no idea how to get into touch with her. She hasn’t answered any of my calls or texts, and it especially worries me because I have her son. I’m not sure if it’s because she’s out doing drugs, or if hearing from me is just too hard? Either way I need her to sign these in his best interest.

She went the route of asking me and letting me know she wants to avoid DCF if she can, so she doesn’t lose him. However if it’s in the best interest of my nephew I’m willing to go through DCF to get guardianship. Would I be a bad younger sister if I did this? I love my nephew and this whole thing breaks my heart, I just want to do what’s best for him.

I live in Northern VT, and I’m looking for resources urgently.
I’m only 25, and have no kids of my own. My older sister reached out to me the other day, letting me know she’s struggling with a drug problem. I’m trying my best to get her into a rehab program, as quickly as I can. It seems like most have a pretty long waitlist.

My older sister also has my nephew, who is 3yrs old right now. I sometimes take him on the weekends for about 3 days, but that’s the most I’ll have him at a time without his mother. She’s worried about getting him taken if she voluntarily goes to rehab, so she wants me to take him. Obviously I love my nephew and will avoid CPS taking him at any cost. However I currently don’t have a car, and I’m in quite a bit of debt. Would that affect anything? I’m nervous they’d take him because of that. From my understanding since they aren’t already involved we wouldn’t have to notify him? Since I am his aunt.

I’m mainly looking for childcare resources. Something like a free/discounted daycare he could go to while I’m at work. I’m not sure if I’d qualify since I’m not his mother, but I’m trying to make this as easy as possible. Also any advice/resources anyone who’s dealt with this might have, I’ve never been through this before and I’m honestly freaking out. I reached out to a few of my friends and they said they’d help where they can, but most have their own jobs/kids.

TIA for any helpful suggestions/kind words. I’m really stressing out over this.

Oh before I forget in case someone ask where our parents are in all this. Our mother passed from cancer back in 21-22, and our dad is in GA right now helping take care of our other nephew who has cancer. So I’m her best option right now.