My brother died 4 years ago due to heroin addiction. I tried to speak to the mother by phone ( I could not go to the funeral ) And she said she would call me back and dropped of the face of the earth. I've been looking for her and my niece. I just found out she got busted 4 times for heroin and going to court on 11/14 . I don't know the full situation . But I do not want my niece in that situation anylonger. I was told she will probably do jail time or overdose . What should I do . By the way my niece lives in Maryland and I live in California .

You can call out there and see if child protective services had been involved and let them know you are willing to take the child. Make sure you let them know you're a blood relative and your home situation. They may even request a review be done and a report submited. That's normal so don't sweat it.