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I don't know much about the LAWS in regards to your situation - I also assume that the laws would be different in every state - BUT I am wondering whether or not you have actually adopted this 9 year old girl, or if she is just in your custody? I would imagine that, IF you have not legally adopted her, that would be your next course of action. If you have solid evidence that her biological mother has been an absent parent and that you have basically raised her and she considers you to be her parent, I would imagine that, in the best interest of this child, that it would be something that would be legally feasible. You would [I am 98% sure about this] have to have the biological mother relinquish her rights as a parent, though. I am not sure if her rights can be terminated by the courts, although I imagine that they could be if there is just cause [i.e. her drug use].
I would suggest that you maybe call a lawyer and start asking questions, or maybe contact someone involved in the family court system?? Depending on the state that you reside in, there's probably information available online as far as adoption and termination of parental rights is concerned - do a Google search for "Adoption Process in [your state here]" or something related.
Good luck. I hope that the story of these two young girls has a happy ending.
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If we cannot find happiness within ourselves, it does not make much sense to look outwards - Anonymous
PEACE: it does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble, or hard work. It means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart - Unknown
Never, never, never, never give up - Winston Churchill
Baby girl born 7/25/1984 in Upstate NY.
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