AboutPeter C. Winkler, CSW Expertise I have experience with adoption subsidy, the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children and variety of other adoption related matters. I hope that I can be helpful to those who are considering adoption or would like to adopt a child.
Experience I am a social worker with an MSW and I have over thirty years of experience in family and children's services. I have worked as Director of adoption services and of the Interstate Compact in a large state agency. I have also provided direct services to children and families in a preventive services program. I currently prepare adoption studies for those who are adopting domestically or internationally.
Expert: Peter C. Winkler, CSW Date: 6/9/2007 Subject: How to get custody/adopt my cousin in TN?
Question I'm 21 and live in Cleveland, OH. and do to some crazy situations in TN. my little 8 month old cousin is now in foster care and DCF has informed friends of my family that they want to put him into an adoptive home because his mother is on the run from the court for failure to appear in court. The father did not sign the birth certificate because he is also in trouble with the law. There is no other family in TN. that can take custody of this precious baby boy. My mother and aunt are to old to care for an 8 month old little boy. What should I do so I do not lose my cousin to the system. I just graduated with an associates in law enforcement and have no children and am not married. Is it possible for me to get custody of my cousin or is he lost to us forever?
Answer Dear Raven,
The first thing you need to do is to ask yourself if you can handle the task of adopting a small child at this time in your life. While you can ask for help and support from your extended family, the primary burden will fall on you. If your answer is yes, contact the agency in writing and send a letter by registered mail in which you clearly state your desire to adopt the child. You should also call the agency and speak with the caseworker and supervisor handling the case since a letter alone will not give them much of an idea about you. Before you can gain placement of the child you would need to go through the "home study" process to demonstrate that you are fit and appropriate to adopt this child. Expect that the process will take some time and you probably should hire a lawyer to represent you if you want to move ahead.
