if the police were to be called in to investigate a case of stalking and harrasment, and upon visiting the house of the accused, were to find someone drunk and in charge of a minor, then social services would be called in also. If with the charge of harrasment and stalking, and drunk whilst in charge of a minor, social services may choose to take that person to court under the mental health act, and neglect of a minor, with a view to removing the minor from that persons care, there would be no court costs to Karen as it would be social services Vs neglectfull parent, karen could then come forward as a candidate for custodial guardianship of minor, as an alternative to foster care.

just my two pence!!