[Elucidus]

My wife's cousin has two kids, they are both abused and he has finally been reported to the authorities. The mother knew about it and allowed it to go on, and neither are fit parents. I am in the military and don't know if that would help or hinder this.

Anyway, I don't know if this is even a possibility, but if the kids are taken from the parents, and no one else in the family is willing to take them, and as far as we are told no one is. Would we be able to adopt? I know it is only cousins, but it has to be better than strangers.

Does anyone know what we could do to followup and see what is happening with the kids? The entire family didn't want to say anything because they were afraid to mess up the father's life, which is a load of crap in my mind, what about the kids? Sorry, forgive my language.

We are hoping to at least get them out of the situation if we can't adopt them. Can anyone offer us any guidance.

[devildogwife]

I don't think being in the military would be a hindrance. Plenty of us foster and adopt.

So they haven't been taken into foster care yet? I'm not entirely familiar with the fostering process, but from what I've heard children are placed with other family members if they are willing and can pass a homestudy. It might be too soon to know whether or not anything would go to adoption, as they're not even in care yet.

Best of luck!

I love your quote btw!

[Elucidus]

Thanks for the quick reply. We are trying to find out information, they are in indiana and her family is less than forth coming with information. That was why it took us so long to report the abuse because normally we would hear about it weeks later.

Not sure if anything will even come of it, but the investigator wasn't happy when she left from what we were told. As far as I know a determination hasn't happened yet. I am just trying to get prepared for things to come.

[CaddoRose]

In general, the state looks for any family and being a cousin isn't that far removed. You are family, so hopefully they will consider placing the kids with you. I would suggest posting this on the foster parent board because their are plenty of folks there who are kinship placements and they know the ins and outs of getting their relatives. The sooner you get the ball rolling,the better for you and the kids.

You need to contact the local Child Protective services( or whatever it is called where they live) and talk to a case worker. You need to let them know right away that you want the kids.