Barbara Evans Claims She’s Been Cut Off from Reaching Out to Jace by Jenelle

Currently, Jace Evans is undergoing mental health treatment in a residential facility as a custody dispute unfolds. Barbara is actively pursuing custody, while his mother, Jenelle, is reportedly preventing any contact between Jace and his grandmother. The well-known Teen Mom star is not backing down easily and is preparing to fight the issue in court, concerned that Jace may be struggling without her support.

Why was Jace Evans removed from Barbara Evans’ home?

The situation escalated when Jace was removed from Barbara’s home in February following a distressing 911 call. During the call, Barbara reported that Jace was out of control, damaging property, and making threats of self-harm. The authorities intervened and took the 16-year-old to receive necessary treatment.

While the source of Jace’s mental health crisis has not been verified, several sources allege the teen grew agitated after learning that his mother had reconnected with David Eason, the man who physically assaulted him back in 2023. Barbara has neither confirmed nor denied the reason for the incident.

There have been several incidents in recent years in which Jace has lashed out and destroyed property. Jenelle Evans placed one 911 call about the teen after her move to Nevada. The teen is reportedly on probation, though it’s unclear what that probation stems from.

A custody battle over Jace Evans is playing out now that the teen is in a mental health facility. Barbara Evans filed for emergency custody of the teen earlier this month. Although that motion was denied, a temporary custody hearing is scheduled for next week. According to several sources, Barbara, along with Jace’s biological father, Andrew Lewis, is planning to present evidence during that hearing. They are hoping a judge will grant Barbara temporary custody of the teen. Jenelle Evans is expected to attend, too.

This isn’t a simple custody case, though. Apparently, it’ll be a battle. Jenelle is reportedly hopping mad that Barbara is trying to regain custody of Jace, despite the teen being in her care for the last several months. TMZ spoke with Barbara Evans about the situation. The iconic grandmother is reportedly pretty concerned.

She told the outlet that Jenelle has prevented her from contacting her teenage grandson, but she’s continuing to check in with staff and is trying to get messages to him. Barbara revealed that she calls each morning and evening to check in on the teen with staff at the facility, and has asked staff to tell him to just hang on. She thinks Jace is likely struggling without being able to speak with her.

It is unclear how long the teen’s stay in an inpatient unit will be, or what his living arrangements will look like upon release. While Jenelle moved the teen to Las Vegas in May 2024, he returned to North Carolina in August 2025. He had been living with Barbara since his return to the East Coast.