I just need to know what to do

[fatherinTN]

I live in TN. and I am the father to a baby girl. The mother of the baby was put into States Custody for being unruly. She is 17 and I am 18. I am trying to get custody of my little girl, and I don't know what to do. I don't know the steps to take in order for that to happen. Me and my family want to get her, because her mother isn't taking care of her. They put the baby with the mother, but the baby is not in States Custody, only the mother is. She has neglected the baby many times. I need help!!! We try to talk to DCS, but they won't tell us anything, or help us in any way. I was told I would have weekend passes with my little girl, yet I haven't seen her in over 2 weeks. She has left my little girl with people I wouldn't allow to watch my dog. We are not, and have never been married. It is killing me, not knowing if my little girl is being taken care of. I'm sure the foster mom is doing a good job with it, since she is in her home. If anyone can lead me down the road in the right direction, please do!!
Thanks!

[jimmy eaches]

is your name on the birth certificate? if it is, and you are the father, then file for an immediate emergency hearing on the basis of a mother who is in states custody and you would like to take responsibility for the child. also, the grandparents have rights also, this might be another avenue to explore. you can file the paperwork by yourself, or you can solicit a lawyer, the whole idea here is to prove the mother unfit, this shouldnt be hard to do with her already being in custody. you are a bright young man, fight for what your beliefs are and stay strong for you and your child. we wish you the best of of luck. please join me at myspace.com/mddadsdeserverights

[fatherinTN]

I just found out today that I need to get a lawyer to go to court with me to put me on the birth certificate as the father. I have established paternity already though. Do I have to have an attorney to do that? I can't really afford to hire one, they are so expensive. I will hire one when it comes to trying to get custody if I am required to do that, but I just can't afford it for both things.

[jimmy eaches]

you should be able to go to the local health department , with the order determining paternity and they should add you to the birth certificate and give you a certified copy also. join me at myspace.com/mddadsdeserverights