Say what you will about Michael Jackson, the dude had a messed up childhood. Most of this can be blamed on his father-manager-tyrant, Joe Jackson. Now, by some divine presence/court statement, Joe will not be raising Michael's kids.

The Jackson family patriarch lives in Las Vegas and wrote in a statement filed in a Los Angeles court on Monday that he only occasionally visits the family home in the San Fernando Valley, north of downtown Los Angeles.

"I have had a close family relationship with these grandchildren since their birth," Jackson wrote in the declaration dated July 13. "I do visit the family residence from time to time and will continue to do so, however I will not be involved in raising the children."

His two-page declaration expresses support for his wife, Katherine, who on Monday was granted permanent custody of Michael Jackson's three children.

Joe Jackson wrote that his wife is "a wonderful caretaker and guardian."

A judge on Monday awarded Katherine Jackson a monthly stipend to help upkeep the family's home, where her three grandchildren are staying.

I hope these children understand how freakin' lucky they are. They very likely could have been on the streets of LA six months down the road, singing "Thriller" melodies to people walking by. Then, if they didn't make at least $100 each day, Joe Jackson would really show them how he parents...with the backside of his hand.