[tnt12697]

We are foster parents to a 2 year old boy. He has been with us for 16 months. He had weekly visits with both parents until about 2 months ago. They had a hearing to terminate both parental rights and change goal to adoption. Rights were terminated, but Dad's sister showed up to hearing and filed for custody. She has had no contact with our foster child since we have had him. We really want to adopt him. Does VA recognize us as kin since we have the stronger bond and he has been with us the majority of his life? He is attached to both of us and has seperation issues. I can only imagine how hard it would be for him to leave us as well as for us to let him go. This aunt has been aware that he has been in foster care. She expressed interest when he was first placed but did not follow through. If you have any advice or hope, we would really appreciate it.