Sealing to a child as a guardian

[bhatch2]

We are raising the child of my husband's cousin. He is now 14 and has been in our home for 2 years. He was apprehended at age 15 months (addictions, sexual abuse, etc). The child was raised in the church by his grandparents (my husband's uncle and aunt). Child's Mom and dad have not been involved in his life at all, except for occasional phone calls, and are not members of the church. When grandpa died, and grandma went into a care home, we took him into our home. Because of provincial laws we are granted Guardianship, but not allowed to adopt him. He is a faithful young man who dreams of being sealed to SOMEONE. He loves family history. What can I tell him to hope for? Can we apply to have him sealed to us? Or to his maternal grandparents who raised him? If we wait until he is 18 does that make a difference?

[lajackson]

What can I tell him to hope for? Can we apply to have him sealed to us? Or to his maternal grandparents who raised him? If we wait until he is 18 does that make a difference?

This forum is mainly for technical support and these types of questions are not normally topics of discussion. The best place for you to obtain answers to these questions is from your bishop. He will review the General Handbook and counsel with your stake president to determine what is best in keeping with Church policy. Your stake president also is able to contact the Office of the First Presidency as needed. In your situation there are legal issues involved, as well.

Counsel with your bishop and follow his lead. He will want the best for your child, as do you.