The child is my 2 year old third cousin, I am in New York (Bronx County) and the child is in another county in the southwest region of New York state. She is my cousin through way of her father which has been incarcerated for over 2 years (repeat offender)
So here is some brief information on the situation. The little girls mom has been in and out of rehabilitation battling alcoholism for over 25 years. She already has 2 older children removed from her care many years ago. About a year ago, the child was placed in foster care since mom had a relapse. I found out 5 months later at which point i got involved to try to foster her while mom received the care she needed to eventually get her back. My family and I (I have a girlfriend of 4 years and a step daughter who is 5 and a half) have made several trips to inquire about her case and situation and most importantly, to try to motivate “mom” and spend time with the little girl.
Since my 2 year old cousin has been with her current foster mother for a going on a year in a couple of months and due to the fact, that mom is not showing as much progress as she should, i am thinking of filing for custody before her foster man has rights to adopt her and frankly, can do and take my cousin away from all of us.
My question is, when i file for custody, can any of the counties assistst me financially with the baby. I’m the only one working currently and my though i make “decent” money, i have entirely too many expenses to take on the additional responsibility of a child. I’m torn though because i know she belongs with family.
