I have a 21 yr old sister that is doing 6 yrs in a state prison and her daughter was born while she was in there, well after she had her she gave temporary custody to a girlfriend of hers and now that friend is locked up in jail herself and has lost custody of my niece and child protective services placed my niece into foster care. I got in touch with the case worker for my niece and told her that I want to file for custody of my niece but at the same time my sisters girlfriend(the one in jail) her sister(who is no blood relation to my neice) is now trying to file for custody of my niece also... I was told I would have to wait a few weeks for a phone call to receive a home study visit(to check out my living environment) I'm thinking there has to be an easier and faster way to go about doing this than just sitting around waiting for a phone call... any suggestions or ideas? Open to hear all ideas please and thank you.

Get an attorney. A local attorney who knows the local system can help.

I think no matter what the circumstances you would have to go through the usual home checks etc.. However, speak to a solicitor/lawyer who will know if there are any shortcuts regarding this matter.

Where? If your sister gave temporary custody to one person in NY (where I am) she could revoke that and grant custody to someone else - for example, you. Where is the father in this problem?

I'd ask an Attorney about bringing a Motion "for the good of the child."