An elderly couple in Changning District has petitioned a court to be the legal guardians of a young girl.

The couple identified as 70-year old Zhou Shuangdu and 68-year old Qin Yufen said they want to be the legal guardians of a 10-year old child. They also said the mother of the young girl was their foster child whom they adopted in 1978. However, she has gone missing for a year.

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The couple also added the child’s mother was convicted of drug addiction and gambling in 2000. During this period, the couple decided to terminate their adoption of the child’s mother. However, in 2005, she sought their assistance of raising her child born out of wedlock. The couple said they do not know the identity of the child’s father or any known relatives.

The case for legal guardianship was filed in Changning District People's Court. The couple’s legal representative said the mother,  identified as Zhou Jin, has never cared for her child. The lawyer also added Zhou’s addiction to drugs would only cause negative influence. Furthermore, the lawyer said the elderly couple had raised the child almost from birth and that they deserved to be given custody for the child’s education.

Zhou Shuangdu testified in court and said Zhou Jin has been involved in illegal drugs. The senior Zhou also said their adoptive daughter has stolen valuables, including money from their household. He also said every time Zhou Jin comes back to their house, they would find valuables missing the next day.

The couple also told the court that Zhou Jin told them her daughter’s stay would be temporary. At first, she would come to visit and make phone calls. However, since last year, Zhou Jin could no longer be reached and that her whereabouts were no longer known.

The elderly couple wanted to seek guardianship over the minor because she couldn’t enrol without a hukou. Fortunately, local education authorities assisted them allowing the child to enrol at a primary school.

However, the child would soon advance to middle school and without a hukou, she wouldn’t be allowed to enrol.

TagsChangning District, Zhou Shuangdu, Qin Yufen, Zhou Jin, Changning District People's Court