[Fe2002]

I'm going to try and just hit the facts of this situation. My cousin has 2 children A (8) and S (4), they were taken from her by DFACS in early March. The children are now in separate foster homes. "A" is doing great - seriously, better than I've ever seen her. I can't really tell about S (since she is only 4) she doesn't appear abused or anything... just not her normal spunky self.

I'm getting MAJOR runaround from DFACS... Currently I get 1-hr visits every other Monday (the same as the mother). I've requested overnight wkend visits so at least the girls can see each other (the separation is affecting the 4 yo. moreso than the 8 yo.). DFACS is completely dragging their collective feet on this request.

Based on my cousin's history, I don't hold out much hope of her ever regaining rights to her children. Bottom line... if her parental rights are teminated I want to adopt both A and S. I feel like DFACS is giving priority for A to her paternal grandmother (who lives in the same city, but has not seen A in over 2 years). The 4 yo's paternal side is not in the picture.

Although I'm referred to as "Auntie", my official relationship to them is "second cousin" - no real punch to that at all...

I'm considering getting a lawyer, but not sure if I have any rights whatsoever and will be wasting money.

Has anyone been in a similar situation or have any advice to offer?

[Hadley2]

Goodness, why haven't you requested the children be placed with you? You are losing valuable time. If you don't step up to the plate now, you and every other family member could well be out of the running completely come TPR time and they will go into closed adoptions with people you don't know. Remember, it is not about your rights. It is about the children's rights to be raised by family when possible. Request placement ASAP and show that you are serious by starting the process to become a licensed foster parent (so that you will be eligible to foster-to-adopt, the best way for a child to go forward with his/her life when not reunited with parents). Become your agency's partner and they will be less adversarial. Good luck and blessings.