Rights of Extended Family in Kentucky

My name is Carolyn Robinson, I am battling for the rights to contact with my niece and nephew. I have always had contact, often daily, with the children since birth until December 8, 2011 when contact was stopped after a petty incident where the parent became angry and took the children out of my life.

I have learned that aunts and other extended family members do not have any legislation which can support them in court, compared to grandparents who can be supported by the "grandparents rights" legislation. In my opinion as an aunt I believe it is unfair to be neglected by the courts; as it is often not recognized how much aunt's, (as well as other extended family members), really care for children and are involved in their lives.

I would like for the government to recognize this and consider creating a legislation for extended family members rights. I feel it is extremely unfair for family members who are in the same position as me to not have any rights to contact a child they have bonded with and loved over the years.

This is an issue in which I feel very strongly about and would urge you to consider the pain in which the children and extended family members suffer when contact is stopped by children's parents - often for no real reason.

I am doing this not only to help stop other extended family members feeling the extreme pain I have been experiencing , but also to ensure that all children are not denied contact or love from someone who cares strongly for them.

Thank you for your time and understanding,
Carolyn Robinson