[joskids]

I've known of situations like this more than once. Seems like family steps back quite often, not wanting the responsibility, until the last moment when it looks like the child will go into foster care. You really won't know what will happen in this situation. You'll need to keep your doors open and be ready to be hurt if it doesn't work out. If you're willing to take that chance, then you may be blessed with another child.

On the other side of things, you will want to consider how much security this child has experienced in 4 years. Was he with his mother who may have been using drugs, hanging out in less-than-ideal places with precarious individuals? That will impact the child, his ability to bond, to trust, to follow rules, etc. Expect that he will not act like your other two children and there will be rocky times. YOu will want to be certain that you obtain as much information about this child's history as you can. You should be certain that you get a Medicaid card ASAP in case of any needs that he has and, if the family is on WIC, you can have it transferred to your name also, for this child.

Best wishes.