:Actually I believe the child is already in the system since the mother is in the system as well...."
I would discuss this with an attorney and find out your state's laws in this regard. In some states, it doesn't matter if the mother is a minor and a ward of the state; she is still the child's legal guardian; the child is the ward of the mother until such time as her parental rights are terminated, which will not happen unless she can be proven unfit; even then, the State will try to develop some plan, and if she complies she might regain custody in the future. Being fifteen does not automatically disqualify her from parenting in the eyes of the law. I imagine there would have to be more; some sort of abuse or negligence.
When you say your friend has "custody and guardianship" of the child, I don't know if you're referring to the baby or the birthmother. If you're referring to the baby, then does that mean the birthmother's parental rights have already been terminated? If your friend has custody, then it might be up to
him to decide whether to relinquish custody to you, and I'm not sure the birthmother would have any input,
if her parental rights have already been terminated.
Also, you refer to her as your friend's "adopted daughter", but then say she's "in the system". How can this be? Has the adoption been disrupted or overturned?
