[ConcernedUncle]

Hello.
My nephew and wife recently had a baby.
My nephew and his wife both have lengthy criminal records, including drug activity.

Both are broke, no jobs, and continue their lifestyle.
Also, parents are separated... each living how they can, where they can.
(Currently, mother is in jail again,. if she hasn't posted bail).

Wife and I are considering caring for this baby, (currently with grandparents), perhaps even adopt.
For starters, we would not want baby/child to have ANY contact with parents, as we feel it would be detrimental in many ways.
We are not sure how to go about this... custody? Guardianship? Adoption?
What are the primary steps we should take?

(We, as well as baby's parents, live in Florida... in different counties, approximately 160 miles from each other).

[ScottGem]

Hire an attorney to prepare the adoption proceedings. It certainly is possible if both parents agree or children's services have removed the child from the parent.

[GV70]

Parent's Objection

A parent in Florida may object to an extended family member having temporary custody of a child. If the parent objects to temporary custody, he or she must prove a number of factors in order to convince the court to award custody. At the same time, the extended family member must prove that the child’s parents are unfit and unable to provide basic necessities for the child or that the parent abused, abandoned or neglected the child. An extended family member who is awarded temporary custody should remember that if it is in the child’s best interests, the court may award visitation to the child’s parents.

Best Interests of Child

A family court in Florida determines child custody based on the best interests of the child. "Best interests of the child" involves several factors, including the stability of the child’s current living environment, the parent's wishes, and the child’s wishes, if the child is old enough to express an opinion. After careful evaluation, the court may determine that awarding temporary custody to an extended family member is in the child’s best interests.


Source:
Third Party Custody Laws in the State of Florida | eHow.com

[ConcernedUncle]

Thank you very much for your replies.