Foster mom fights for custody

WHITEVILLE-- Foster mother Susan Mills is afraid she could lose custody of her two year old foster daughter to the little girls 20 year old biological sister in Mississppi.
"We spend everyday with her as if it could be our last." Mill's says.

For privacy purposes the child cannot be identified. Mill's foster daughter has severe health problems that requires a lot of attention. Mills says the sister is irresponsible.
Mills points to the woman's myspace page as proof.

We spoke with a social worker not associated with the case to find out just what Mill's rights of adoption are.

Social worker Julie Steinbeck says, "The first thing we do is look at birth parents and extended family members."

Steinbeck says they are required to screen the next person of kin to adopt a foster child.

"Safety comes before anything else," Steinbeck says, "if we can do that in a relative home then that's what we're going to do."

Currently, Shelly is being assessed by social workers and has the possibility of taking the child back to Mississippi. Susan Mills is hoping she can adopt the child and hopes the courts turn down the sister's request.

On wednesday, the courts will decide who will take the little girl home.

Mills say's if the courts decide to give the child to her sister, she will appeal the decision. Meanwhile, social workers say there's a growing need for foster parents in our area. If you're interested, contact your local Department of Social Services.