[goattrainer]

I posted this over in a state spacific thread, but I thought it might get more attention over here. Thanks!
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My family has just found out that my cousin has been doing crack for the past several years. The same cousin has a little girl that is in temporaty custody of her grandmother. Her father is an illegal alien, and is out of the picture, as far as we know.

My cousin gave up drugs while she was pregnant, then returned to them after the child was born. The child is in fine health.

Nothing is for sure. My cousin isn't in a rehab program yet, we all hope she really wants off the drugs, but have a sinking feeling that she dosen't, based on her actions. As of now she must have supervised visitations, with her daughter. She does not want to give her daughter up at this point.

DH and I are considering adopting her IF (obviously) her mom will give her up. We are in our early to mid twenties, no other children. My BIL (16) lives with us.

My questions are:

1) What is involved with adopting a relative?

2)Is it easier/harder than an unrelated child?

3) Do we become foster parents first?

4) What rights does her father have, since he is illegal?

5) Roughly, how much cost are we looking at?

6) I assume that we, as relatives, would be given preference over unrelated people. Is that correct?

Any thoughts, suggestions or hints would be appriciated!!

Thanks

[stepadoptionblog]

Yes, usually you will have to go through Child Protective Services, for a relative adoption. You will have to go through the homestudy process, background checks, get finger printed (every adult in the house) the whole nine yards.

While the actual process of becoming a foster parent is free as far as the state goes, you will have to pay for the background check as well as any documents that you will need to obtain, such as birth certificates for everyone whom resides in the home. Most states have a reimbursement of up to $1,000 for adoption related expenses.

It will be easiest on you if the entire family involved agrees on what is best for the child, and where the child should reside. If your cousin is willing to sign her rights over to you directly then you can proceed with a private adoption, which will cost you legal fees, and possibly a homstudy. The cost of a homestudy varies, private agencies have a higher fee, but a much shorter waiting time. The state does them for free, but usually only if you are going to be foster parents, and the wait time is much, much longer in most cases.

I would find out from your family who intends to raise the child if the birth mother decides to place her, or cannot get off of drugs. Others may be thinking along the same lines that you are and may intend to fight if you go for custody.

Also keep in mind that kinship adoptions usually become sticky after the fact. Family dynamics change, yet everyone usually remains in contact. Some family members may have a hard time letting go of their old roles prior to the adoption, and may be reluctant to accept the new role and title towards the child after the adoption takes place. Their is alot to think about when it comes to kinship adoption, alot of thought needs to go into it before you decide to go after custody and adoption of the child.


Stepparent Adoption Blog

[quicksand]

relative adaption is more easier than any other adaption. it takes about 6 to 8 month if your going throught interstate adaption from one state to another. if not than its less than that. if your getting the child from the same state u reside in than all you will have to do is contact the child case worker and go from there. if your'e like me u dont need a lawyer. the case worker will work with u to get the child. the case worker will do a background check, a home study to approve your home for the child, a reference check after your home study has been approved. dont worry about employment sence you are family related this usually takes about 3 to 4 months if the child is in the same state u reside in or less than that. depending on how long the child has been in the system. give it time because they move slow. and the good part is that everthing is free.