Just found out on the 7th of Feb. My sister gave birth to a baby on Nov. 6, 2011. She left the baby at the hospital and never returned. The child is in DHS custody they are the ones whom contacted my older sister on Feb.3rd and informed us of the child. I have spoken to DHS and they said they would set up home study and back ground check but still have failed to do that. There is a court hearing on March 6h for premancy planning hearing is what they call it. This isn't the first child she has gave birth to that has been in dhs custody she's had 3 others that were adopted out through the state of Arkansas. My older sister just adopted her daughter that turned 3 this past year. I am a mother of 7 and don't want to see another child in my family go to the state of Arkansas. What are the laws in Arkansas and what are the chances this child be placed with me if the foster parents are foster to adopt? I am running low on time and since this is new to us we are lost of what steps to take and I feel like DHS is blowing us off because a new born is rare and easily placed with a family that wants to adopt. I am family and just heard about this, my sister is a drug addict and I don't even allow her anywhere around my home or kids and would love to have her as our own. Please give me some advice asap. Thank you very much in advance.

This is a very difficult matter. Your best move would be to obtain a local family law attorney who can walk you through this. Good luck

You have to push DHS to complete their study. Normally the state prefers to keep children with family, But these circumstances are unusual. An attorney will probably help.

I would also like to point out that perhaps your sister doesn't WANT someone in the family to have the child--otherwise, why would she take it to the hospital (probably in one of the Safe Haven groups) rather than give it to you along with custody?

It is EXTREMELY difficult emotionally to have a family member raise your child as their own.

She may have WANTED this child to be placed for adoption outside of your family.

Have you asked HER what her preference is?

Once you KNOW that she's okay with you taking her child from where she herself placed it, then you should consult with an attorney specializing in family law.