This is a long story and we need advice. My cousin lost custody of her son (beautiful boy, 7 years old, we'll call him M). She has a bad track record including substance abuse, dating criminals, hording, and loosing other children. M was given to his grandma, and then she lost custody of him. The state put him in the foster care system, because the other close family members to M also have bad stuff going on.

My parents both work, make good money, and have clean records. When they heard of M going in the system, they decided they wanted to foster him. My parents asked the blessings of M's family to raise him until they could get everything together. Surprisingly, they were very angry about my parent's offer and prefer he stay in the system until they can get him back (witch could be never). Their reason: my parents live 1 1/2 to 2 hours away.

My parents now feel confused, saddened, and discouraged. All they want is for M to be safe and loved. They don't know how to respond. I'm trying to encourage them in their quest. This little boy has been through enough and deserves nothing but love and security, witch my parents can provide!

So I've got questions for anyone out there who might have some experience with fostering.

1) M is in Kentucky, my parents are in Tennessee; will this be a problem?

2) does anyone have any helpful resources? (Places we can call, helpful legal material, steps we can take)

3) my parents feel discouraged because they feel that they are now encroaching into a situation they are not welcome into, any advice what I could say to them to let them know they are doing the right thing?

(BTW, I'm an adult that does not live with their parents. I'm just trying to get material to help the situation)