I finally took it upon myself to call social services and an adoption agency and so far good news. When I called social services today I told them our senerio, that my husband and I are going to be adopting my cousins baby and that she is in the welfare system, what should we do. He was very helpful (I think I lucked out) and told me that we didn't even have to go through the social system to adopt this baby, we do not have to become fosters parents, which a friend of ours who is a socialworker had said she thought we didn't but wanted to be sure. He told me that we are family enough for it to be consentual and that we just needed to contact a lawyer and go that route. The only way he said that we would have to go through the system is if the baby tested postive at the hospital and even then he said they always look at family first and he was positive we would still be able to adopt the baby, but only then have to go through the state system. Our conslutation is next monday 21st for the adoption lawyers, who we were refered to, so any further questions will be answered then but it feels good to finally be pointed in a direction in which to take. Why I waited so long to call I will never know, but I have never had a reason to call an lawyer this is all so new to me. It has had me a bit frustrated and a bit overwhelmed I must say, sure you can all understand that feeling.
Thank you again for all you advice and patience april...........

[Support2Adopt]

April, great news! Looks like your adoption journey will be pretty easy. Let us know how your appointment goes. JJ

Thank you JJ, so nice to have the support of these forums. I know I may have seemed a bit of a pill in my last few posts but I have been so tired lately, school, work, school again and of course life in gerneral, lol. With all of this going on as well my plate has been full, I am sure you all know how that goes.
But once again I do appreciate all of your advice and encouragement, and honesty most of all. I will let you know how it goes, thanks for caring....april

[SuburbanMom]

Glad you got finally made the call and got some good news - all that worrying for nothing. I hope all goes well with the consultation with the adoption attornies.

[Support2Adopt]

April, you haven't been a pill at all. Let's face it. Adoption is really an emotional rollercoaster. JJ

yes it can JJ and that is why these forums are so great to be able to go to a vent a little or just shout out some good news finally received. And thank you surburbanmom your honesty and blunt no bars hold advice I appreciate it greatly, it is what I need right now some one to remind me of what could go wrong. I want this little baby so bad for so many reasons (other than just my own) that I may lose sight of reality and you were all right about it being her body, it is. Even if she doensn't realize it and tries to make all decisions mine to make in the end she has the final say and that is what really...really scares me.
april

[Lanny]

What Great News!! I have been away from the board for a while and I am just getting caught back up!! that is really wonderful news!!!! God Bless you !! Lanny

wow lanny thanks, you don't know how much I appreciate that thank you
april