Yes, it's possible. It depends on stuff, of course... The foster care system is the placement of last resort, normally -- it's where the courts turn when there are no viable relatives or others willing and appropriately suited to care for the child. So if you're stable, healthy, financially viable, etc., it's worth a try. The place to start is with the child's county social worker -- he or she is responsible for the child's routine care management, and they also make recommendations to the court about placement. I suggest you find out who the social worker is and place a personal call, ask to come down to the office to meet them. If you can set up a meeting, be as "parental" and professional as you can, and tell them that you're interested in the process of becoming the child's guardian. You can do it without the social worker's support (see also: get an attorney), but it's MUCH easier if the SW trusts and likes you, and sees you as a good placement option. You should expect that there will be a lengthy process of interviews and background checks, etc. One other thing: DO NOT tell the child about this until there's certainty it can happen. That will upset the child (with dubious expectations) and the social worker, and probably the judge -- the last person you want to piss off.