Looking To Get Some Fathers Rights In Florida

by Rick
(Union, NJ)

I was incarcerated for almost 6yrs, and 2yrs before my release date my daughters mother contacted me. She advised me that she had a little girl and didn’t know whether she was mine or my friends. So a DNA test was done and I’m glad to say that I am the father. Now she told me that she wanted me to be a father and be in our girl’s life. However a year after my release I was able to save money to go to Florida and see my little girl but when I arrived at the house, she said that I will never see my girl. I tried talking to her but to no avail. I got nowhere and I wanted to make sure she was okay because the house she lives at is a total disaster.

There was stuff thrown all over with cigarette butts everywhere. There were also three people in the house with dogs. In my opinion kids seeing and living in that kind of environment is not right.

So I called 911 and they told me to wait a few blocks away so she won’t be tempted to do any crazy stuff. As soon as I did what I was told, she flies by me taking stop signs and driving recklessly. Well the cops eventually come and they told me there’s nothing they can do!

I don’t know what kind of DYFS they have in Melbourne, Florida because they been involved several times with her and have took the kids away a few times. The last was when she tried to commit suicide, but I know if this would have happened in New Jersey she would not have gotten them back that easy.

My question is: "what can I do?" my daughter has told me and my mom that she wants to live with me but I don’t know who can help. She’s only 7 years old, and I don’t want her to live a bad life down there in Florida. I know I can provide her with a better lifestyle and happiness. I really miss my little girl and I want to see her and spend time with her, so is there anything I can do from NJ?