Austin's Needs: A Family's Fight

My name is Jerry. I am 58. I met my wife in 2004 after graduating from a 2-year drug rehabilitation facility in Vista, California. We have been married since 2010, and I raised her 3 kids as my own.

Myself and a woman named Nicole Jackson had a child in late 1995. His name is Austin, and he is non-verbal autistic.

When Austin was young, Nicole and I had our differences and split up. I would take him on weekends, and we had a wonderful relationship. The problem was, I was a drug addict. Hopeless. Nicole talked me into giving up my parental rights, with the understanding that my relationship with Austin would continue.

She quickly cut me out of his life. It wasn't hard. I was not a model father.

Austin's grandfather Mike and my aunt continued being part of his life for years.

Nicole began a relationship with an unnamed man who began to isolate them from these people that truly love him, finally moving them to Texas with no contact with anyone. Years later, Nicole passed on, leaving Austin living with this man.

I know that I am not innocent in all of this, but not allowing contact with his loved ones is not right. This man never married Nicole. Austin's grandfather Mike visited him 2 years ago and saw that Austin's teeth were horrible and he did not have a pair of glasses that he needs. We do not think that he is getting proper care and at least want to see what our options for custody are.

It will involve at least a lawyer, court time, and lots of travel.

Any funds received will go to Austin's aunt to be spent on at least making sure his needs are being met.

We are grateful for any help.