OPTION 1: LEGAL GUARDIANSHIP:

Once the guardian has met with an attorney, the process takes six to eight weeks to complete and includes a hearing before the judge who must approve the request. Once the judge issues the Legal Guardianship, the judge is the only person who can change the order. Note: Legal guardianship requires a judge’s signature; any other delegation of parental rights is not legal guardianship. The cost varies; however, the guardian may request legal assistance through the following organizations:

Volunteer Lawyers Program 438-1102

Mobile Bar Association’s Lawyer Referral Service 433-1032

OPTION 2: ORDER OF CUSTODY THROUGH JUVENILE COURT

· What does an Order of Custody mean?
An Order of Custody gives authority to the guardian for the dependent child. The order is issued if a parent is unable to care for the child personally or if there are other issues; the guardian is then responsible for the child’s total care.

· What is the process for obtaining an Order of Custody?
The guardian should call the Juvenile Court office at Strickland Youth Center (574-5257) for information or the guardian may contact an attorney directly. The process takes several months to complete and includes a hearing before the judge who must approve the request. Once the judge issues the Order of Legal Custody, the judge is the only person who can change the order. The cost varies for this option.

OPTION 3: PERMISSION FOR EMERGENCY ENROLLMENT:

This process is completed by the Mobile County Public School System in the Division of Student Support Services.

Temporary approval requires extensive proof that guardian's home provides the student a more conducive environment for school attendance and academic performance.

Guardian agrees to seek legal guardianship of child during 90-day approval period.  Documentation of legal guardianship progress shall be provided to the Division of Student Support Services within the 90-day time period.

Emergency enrollment may not be requested following denial of an attendance zone transfer to the same school zone.

Approval will be based upon space availability of the school which serves the guardian's residence.

If enrollment is approved, the following conditions shall apply:

1. Student shall attend school on a regular basis.

 2. Student shall cooperate with the faculty and staff of the school.

3. Student shall obey all school rules and regulations.

4. Student shall refrain from being tardy to school and to classes.

5. Guardian shall cooperate with school officials.

If the conditions noted above are violated, the authorization may be voided. 

If additional information is needed concerning Permission for Emergency Enrollment, contact Natalie Peoples at (251)221-4256.