Can I Adopt My Sister's Baby?

Question

Okay, so my sister Kristen is a drug addict and obviously not prepared to be a mother. She is pregnant with a baby and is going to put it up for adoption. I agree with her decision but would like for my wife and I to be the ones to adopt the baby and raise her as my child. Do you think that it's a good decision? I want the baby to be part of our family, but not with my sister. My sister would probably not see the baby often because she is usually estranged from the family. The only reason why we are in contact with her right now is to monitor her and make sure she does not use drugs while pregnant.

Answer 1

You did not mention if she wants to raise the child - if she did not have the drug addiction, would she want to raise the child?

Therefore... if there is a way to get her to become clean, then I would try and find out resources to help her do so.

If not, and she and you both think there is absolutely NO way she can seek therapy to resolve her drug addiction, then I think adoption would be a very good idea.

Answer 2

You can legal custody of her as her next of kin for the time being but as long as your sister is alive and is unwilling to give her up for adoption that isn't an option.

Answer 3

Try guardianship until your sister gets clean.  You do realize most people that are addicts usually have turned to drugs to Numb feelings.

Most have suffered under the hands of a parent or extended family member(s).  

Answer 4

that sounds like a good idea and very sweet.  If u got your stuff together why not

Answer 5

Thats a great idea, if you feel you and your family are ready for the challenge of adopting a child. It will be a long road depending on how resilient the child is to the toxins the mother has been taking. I rejoice to here your concern and feel that because of the concern you would make an ideal family.    

Answer 6

She would have to sign consent forms for you to adopt.  Also, you'll have to have a home study done by a licensed social worker, and you'll probably need an attorney to draw up the papers.

Unless your sister's rights have been taken by the state, she can choose to place the child with other people.  As the birth mother, it's up to her, not you.

Answer 7

yeh i think that is a really nice and sweet idea

it means if your sister stops drugs and the child wants to see its mum it can with out more coplications. also you would be family anyway. i think it would make life for the child easier as well.

aww its sweet :)

Answer 8

You can adopt your sisters baby. I would make sure you have a lawyer draw up the papers for her to sign her rights away. Make sure you have full custody not temp. custody. may have birth defects. I hope she chooses the right thing to do and not use drug any more. Bless your sister, the baby, you and your wife. Good luck.  

Answer 9

It's a wonderful idea, but make sure that all your adoption procedures are monitored by either a lawyer or an adoption agency.  It may cost a little but your sister would not be able to come back in a few years and try to get the baby back from you or say that you coerced her into giving up the baby to you.  Don't think that because you are related that it can't come back to bite you if you don't follow all the legalities.  If the adoption is court monitored and ordered, she can be the loving aunt but all the legal decisions for this child's life will be yours.

Answer 10

it sounds like a good idea but what sure you plan ahead of time whether or not you want the baby to know that your sister is his or hers real mother. theres a boy at my school whose grandparents raised him and he thought that his mother was his sister. he recently found out and it was extremely tragic for him. just figure out all the details ahead of time but other than that, thats a really sweet thing youre doing.

Answer 11

Yes, but you'll need to hire a lawyer who spelizies in family law to do this the right way. You don't want your sister coming back one day to take her child away and that can happen if not done the right way. Good luck.

Answer 12

I think it would be better for the baby to be adopted within the family than to be placed elsewhere.

I think it would be in everyone's best interests, though, if you worked actively to help your sister get clean, in spite of the disagreements you may have with her. Getting off the drugs permanently is incredibly important, and if she could, she might be able to parent her baby.

If that turns out not to be possible, I still think you should try to have more contact with her, so she and the baby can see each other, if that can be arranged safely. I think you should try for an open adoption if if you can, if adoption is necessary.

Answer 13

aww, I wanna cry i think this is one of the most heartwrenching stories. I think that you and your wife should adopt your little niece or nephew. He or she would have a great life and still be in the family and your parents can also still have this child as their grandchild. However, I do agree get a lawyer just for all the legal stuff so Kristen can't take this baby away. However, if she wants to see the baby under the supervision of you, your wife, your parents, or another trusted family member i would allow brief visits once she is clean. Also, one thing about adoption, when the child is older don't lie to him/her.

Answer 14

first of all, i honor you for even considering this. we as a people need to realize the importance of securing the "next generation".  to offer a new little baby the chance to grow, learn, experience, all that we have is such an honorable undertaking. i'm sure you have heard the saying "it takes a village to raise a child", this is a very true statement. my wife and i are surrounded by cherished friends, young and old, that are available to step in and help steer for a while when needed. i hope you have a good village. i would suggest that you be absolutely sure that you are prepared for this journey, also, don't be afraid to be bold, if you adopt this child, be willing to "lose" a sister over it. be wise and patient and hope to gain a better sister. you are standing up and speaking for one who cannot speak for their self. best wishes and may the lord bless you richly as parents.

Answer 15

I think thats a wonderful thing to do.

but the agency may not alllow it, check the guidelines with them first!

Answer 16

I think it sounds like a good idea, but be prepared for your sister to back out. Giving up a child is the most difficult thing a person could ever do. Also, the child's aunt will actually be her mother. It's good that you want to keep her in the family and give the child a good life. But, your sister could get upset if she wants her back one day. If you do decide to adopt her child you need to have a lawyer to help you with all the legal documents and agreements. Good luck!

Answer 17

As a student of social work, I can tell you that usually Child Protective Services tries to find someone related to the child to care for him/her in the event the child needs to be removed from the home. You will have to check with the laws of your state. When I was doing hours at CPS for a class, I saw that once a child was removed from the home, the social worker worked very hard to place the child with a family member. In my opinion, I think it would be good to keep the baby within her/his own family. If you are willing, then God bless you!

Answer 18

well it is a good idea for y'all to adopt the baby instead of  it going with a stranger. but i don't think y'all should keep the baby away from her mom  let the mother see her sometime when her mom is ready to get her self together to let the baby know who the  mother is cause u are an uncle  to that baby and you wouldn't want to confuse it.

but best decision is to make sure y'all adopt her