18yr needing possible guardianship

[pioneer]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Indiana

My wifes son (my stepson) has mental issues and has been in mental help and been through two mental hospitals over the last 4yrs. Hes under a IEP at school. Hes also been under "watch" for his actions and things at school. Hes 17 and will be 18 in sept. He is only a jr this year and still has a year of school left. His mom (and me) feel its best he has some guardianship or of some sort when he turns 18. He has been diag with bipolar and things. He has a troubled history and him making his own choices at this point just is too soon. Hes clearly not ready yet .. he has made statements saying when hes 18 hes going to do quit taking his meds amoung other things. He has never worked a job, nor does not drive. Has no friends, and has gotten into fights and been suspended many times from school)

What steps should we take and how difficult would this be?

 

[Ohiogal]

You can do nothing. MOm can attempt to prove that her child is incompetent and petition for guardianship. She would also have to serve the child's father.

 

[FarmerJ]

If this child has a developemental disability perhaps its time for the mom to contact your county social services to learn what kinds of programs and alternatives there are for DD clients in your state. I work for a group home firm who has a 17 yr old client now, It is most likely he will not be his own gaurdian one will be appointed. He is slowly begining to learn the hard way that there are consequences for inapropriate social behavior. Im suggesting this because many when there is alot of non compliance sometimes family members do not do very well with teaching graduated guidance skills and teaching DD individuals appropriate behavior and with it wise choices and consequences for choices that are not wise. Start with your county now.