Getting custody of niece, what can i expect?

Question

my niece has been in foster care for almost a year now, my sister, her mother has done nothing to get her back, the father has been found unfit, and i am her only relative willing to take her.

my niece currently resides in ohio, whom i contacted, they said they will contact florida, which is where i live and they will do a home study. i have a general idea what they are looking for, but does anyone know what they actually look for when they come? like sleeping arrangments? she is 18monthes old, is she required to sleep in a toddler bed or crib?

the worker said they were looking for permancy at this point in the case. i had expressed my concern for loosing her and she said it would be custody, and should be little cost involved. does this mean i dont need to contact a lawyer? custody will be done by the courts, transferred to me?

Answer 1

At this point you are going to be a relative caregiver. Once she comes to Florida, she will have a case-worker that will help you with the information you need, whether they are seeking reunification with mom or termination of rights.

She will be required to have her own bed, whether a toddler bed or crib, that might be a question her foster mom, could answer, if you have contact information for her, or ask her caseworker to find out any pertinent information that might be helpful, like fears, food likes or dislikes, etc.

No, you do not need to contact a lawyer, because she is in the foster care system. If mom's or dad's, rights have not been terminated, they will not do a home study, only background checks, etc.

We adopted our son, we also live in Florida, last month, we did not incur any monetary cost.

Good luck!!!!!!!!

Answer 2

if you have any money at all, get your own homestudy completed and hire a lawyer in Ohio... this will speed things up fast and help the child come stay with you.. if you really want to do this..

also, see if you can visit, etc... be willing to transport her, ask to speak with the foster parent, send cards, pictures, video, toys, etc... to show you care (this goes a long way in the world of social services)

get the toddler bed set up and buy a few things (thrift stores are fine)

ask to speak with her CASA and/or GAL as well...

sure you could wait for social services to do everything, but expect it to take another 6-12 months... during this time they can use the time she has been with her foster parents against you and refuse to move her...

really it should not cost you more then $2000-$5000 unless you get a jerk of a lawyer... and if you are lower income you can try and get legal aide... also see if Ohio has some kind of foster care support or legal aide special for children and contact them..

if you and your husband don't have any convictions, don't use drugs, have not been convicted or founded child abuse...  there is by federal law no reason the child should not come to live with you ASAP....

Answer 3

You should probably have her room set up when they come.  A crib is a must.  Make sure you have toys and diapers ready to go.  I would also recommend trying to take a parenting class or reading a book to get you up to speed.  Basically they are just making sure they aren't sending her to a roach infested dump.  It probably wouldn' t hurt to talk to a lawyer to make sure you are getting legal custody.

Answer 4

Just make sure the house is clean and safe, and that she has her own bed ( a toddler bed or crib is just fine).  Make certain that your fridge is clean, and stocked with fresh food,- that sort of thing.

ALWAYS  ALWAYS hire a lawyer to look out for your interests.  How  would you feel if her foster family wanted to adopt her?

Good luck keeping her in the family.

Answer 5

She will need a bed / clothes / sippy cups...the normal stuff.  I think at 18 months you could put her in a toddler bed or in the crib till the new baby is ready for it.  

Wow - you will have your hands full...but at least there was a family member willing and ABLE to take her.

Sorry about the all caps - it's my personal experience with my child who we are trying to adopt.