[swanzie]

If DHS is involved I would think that they should be able to get the benefits from DHS, like medical. Do you have your own lawyer?

I would document the behaviors of the children. Are you trying to adopt all 4? If you are just babysitting I would think that you would want to get some sort of help from the mother...she might not be able to handle them - but that does not excuse her from taking care of them financially (like medical) unless she signs them over to you or to DHS. At least that is what I think - I could be wrong...but i have heard of cases where the bio has to pay the state while their kids are in care so I would think she still would be responsible for this even though you are watching her kids until she decides what she is doing. If you are going to adopt you can set up any arrangements you want as post-adoption contact. I would definately go thru your lawyer and get it all down as to what is expected and not acceptable to you and hope the biomom agrees. Good luck - you are definately in a off the charts situation. I hope that something can be worked out for the benefit of these children!!