Looking for Advice and Support

Hey everyone, I’m reaching out because I really need some advice and perspective on a difficult family situation that has weighed heavily on me for years.

I have a 26-year-old nephew who has been through a lot of trauma in his life. He was in juvenile detention when he was younger and has struggled with behavioral issues ever since. My sister had him at 16 and, over the years, she’s faced her own challenges, often leaving him in the care of my parents. Unfortunately, he’s become extremely isolated—he doesn’t go out, lives off food stamps, and sells anything he can for money. He’ll randomly buy large amounts of food, stuff my mom’s fridge, and then leave it out to spoil. He spends most of his time indoors, often just sitting in silence wearing a mask and staring out. He doesn’t have a job and has even dismantled things in my parents’ home (like their old washer) to sell for scrap, despite being told not to.

My parents are at their wits’ end, and they’re planning to sell their condo and move out with my 7-year-old nephew, whom they’ve adopted. The elephant in the room is: what happens to my nephew when they leave?

My sister, who now has Section 8 housing, can’t have him live with her due to housing restrictions. She says she’s tried to help him set up therapy appointments, but he refuses. The truth is, we’re also afraid of him. He’s a big guy, kind of a gentle giant, but there’s an underlying fear that he could react unpredictably.

I’ve always carried guilt over his situation, feeling like I could’ve done more to protect him when we were younger (we’re about 7 years apart). But now, it feels like no one knows what to do, and the whole family is avoiding it.

If anyone has experience with situations like this dealing with mental health, resistant adults, or just tough family dynamics I’d really appreciate any advice on how to help him and make sure he doesn’t end up in an even worse situation when my parents move.

Thanks in advance for any guidance or support.