[silence]

Hello,

I have a friend who is currently fifteen years of age. Her mother has been divorced for ten years now, and is now seeing and engaged to a new guy. With each passing day, he's showing more and more of his true colors; Becoming more physical, violent, lashing out verbally, ect..

I feel she is in danger, and her mother is only making things worse, sticking up for his actions, and trying to pin all the blame on my friend. As a result, my friend's mother is now trying to make it so she has no contact with the outside world, and is basically locking her inside her room with nothing to do. Taking away her computer, getting the cable shut off, not even allowing her to go outside.

So, I've thought about it, and would like to consider possible adoption, or foster care. I don't know much about Florida's laws when it comes to Adoption or Foster Care. I just know that my friend's mother has already said that if she can get someone to show her legal documentation that someone in the world would be willing to adopt her, or become her legal guardian, she would allow it, and be done with it.

I am 20 years of age, and my wife is about to turn 21. We already have a son 2 years old, and we obviously have parenting experince. I understand this is a hard thing to figure out, what to do and what-not. But I know that she would be much better off in our care, not with her mother who is willingly allowing herself, and her daughter (My friend.) to be placed in harms way.

If someone could offer some tips, maybe point me to a website that could give me the sum or in detail, all of the things required to do an adoption, or atleast become her legal guardian, and maybe even print out paperwork? Basically anything helpful to this matter, please post a link, or IM/Email me. It would be greatly appreciated.

- Brian.

[Kristine575]

Have you tried contacting United Way's "211" phone number? They should be able to put you in touch with the correct people.

[AmahMama]

In the front of your phone book there should be a number for the Hotline. Turn her in. Hopefully it will be a wake-up call for the Mom. If not, your friend needs outta there. If at all possible, you may be able to be a non-family placement. Hope this isn't to late and hope all is well.

[ldurham]

I would assume that you would have to be at least 18 years of age or older, but some states have stipulations on the age difference between the adopter and adoptee. Maybe mom could just give you legal custody or guardianship. Either way it does sound like there needs to be some sort of intervention in the household - not just for your friend.

Good luck