2nd part

Raeme, It may depend on the state you are in. In Ohio where I am from they will most always place the child with a blood relative before an adoptive situation. That is what we are dealing with now except a little bit different of circumstances. We adopted two sibling girls who were placed with us in Jan 00 in December of 01. We got their newborn brother from the hospital at two days old in March 01. The case plan was reunification with the biological mother. Now it is 22 months later and mom has not done anything with her plan but a supposed dad has shown up and wants either himself or sister to have custody. Dad is unfortunately in jail more than out and drug problems, etc. But it is still possible at this point for his sister to get our little guy (who isn't so little anymore) even though we have his biological sisters here with us. It's a horrible thought, but for now we take it one day at a time and wait for the paternity results to come back. We now have the guardian at lietem on our side as he has done research on all parties involved and found newspaper articles on our family in the adoption process and an award that was presented to us through Franklin County a few years back. Obviously at this point this child is very attached to us and considers us his parents and he also has his biological siblings here as well as another child we've adopted who is seven months older than he. They are like best friends. Check into the laws in your state, and best of luck to you!!!! Best, Karen Ferrell Adoption Moderatory