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cnichols08 · Apr 28, 2009, 07:48 PM

I have custody of my step-daughter whom obviously is my husbands daughter. Children, Youth, and Family Services removed her from her mother's care to foster care mid 2008. We had to go to court for a few weeks... in June 0f 08, I was granted temporary custody and in September 2008, I was granted full custody. CYF did not want me letting the baby w/ her mother unsupervised. Even after I gained full custody and the CYF case was closed... they infomed me that the would not recommend me letting her around the baby w/out supervision. With this said, how do I go about adopting her? Her mother is currently fleeing law officials from 3 different counties for 5 different cases. It is obvious that my step baby is not safe around her own mother, nor was she when she did have her and I still have the court documents proving that. She is a well-known drug user as well as a drug seller. How do I do this?

Synnen · Apr 29, 2009, 05:53 AM

You start with getting a lawyer.

Once you have a lawyer, he/she will explain how you go about trying to get the biological mother to terminate her rights.

If she refuses to do so voluntarily, it will be more expensive for you.

The Court will determine (not you) whether she is a completely unfit mother and whether her drug use and criminal history are enough to terminate her parental rights.

Once her parental rights are terminated, then you file adoption paperwork with the court.

So... first step is to get a lawyer.

ScottGem · Apr 29, 2009, 06:00 AM

I'm curious here, You said that YOU obtained custody, did you not mean that your husband obtained custody? Generally a step parent is not giving legal custody.

There are two general reasons to allow for a Termination of Parental Rights. One is to clear the way for adoption, the other if the parent represents a danger to the child.

I really don't see a problem with your adopting since you have both reasons. As Synnen said, get an attorney to handle the adoption papers. But with documentation that CYF does not want unsupervised visits and that there are arrest warrants out on her. It should be a SLAM DUNK.