[MattsBamaGirl]

I was wondering if I could get some advice from some of you...please. And would really love it if you were frm Alabama but anybody's is much appreciated.

Here's a little background:

Foster sn came to us at 2 days old in Aug. 04. In Sept. 04 bdad's paternity was established. Bdad has mental problems that keep him from being able to parent. Bgma did not want to take him in the beginning but two weeks later called and said she did. In the meantime we went to court for TPR on bmom and that was granted but she appealed it. During the appeal the homestudies were started and we didn't get word from the homestudies until March 05. Back up just a bit before we heard from the homestudies and aunt and uncle step up and say they want him if bgma can't get him. When we went for the meeting and met the aunt and uncle they declined because they said he was in a loving home and thought he was where he should be. After finding out that the homestudies were unfavorable we continued to let them visit since we were still waiting on the appeal for bmom. Adoption couldn't happen until that was over. We found out in October 05 that appeal was affirmed and we waited on a certificate from the state saying judicial review was over for bmom. Got the certificate and tentatively scheduled bdad to sign papers yesterday. Bgma blew up and said she didn't like the fact that I worked and didn't like having to sign papers before Christmas. Next day bdad's attorney called and said that bdad's sister that lived out of town would like to adopt. Ok...first.......Bdad signed a paper stating that bgma was the only interested resource. Second.....all siblings of bdad were sent a certified letter stating that if they wanted to be considered as a placement they had to file a petition in our county for custody and then they would conduct a homestudy. That was in February.......all siblings stated they were NOT interested. The sister that is wanting him even made the extra effort to call cw and tell her that she was not interested. Why did she wait until now to come forward that he is 16 months old and she's never laid eyes on him. She's never visited nothing. Agency is pushing for foster son to stay with us because of bonding issues. During the permancy planning in August of 05 bdad and bgma both stated that the plan was for him to be adopted by us the foster parents. So my question what do you think our chances are? Agency says that it is too late and that the judge doesn't look very good upon a relative that comes forward so late. What do you think?