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!

[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.