I'm a few weeks shy of 27, and I want to take over custody of my 13 yr old cousin. Her father (a non relative) is not allowed to see her or her brother due to the abuse he put them through. Her and her twin brother live with their mom, my aunt. I don't know what happened but my aunt really is no longer a fit parent. Her house is in horrific shape, you walk in and can smell mold and filth. My cousin's brother is angry/violent, very similar to their father. He will scream, punch holes in the walls, and has tried to kill her pet fish. My cousin gets very upset by the household, but will be yelled and hit for crying. Aside from the physical violence, my aunt has told her to go ahead and kill herself, she doesn't want her here. She also does not ensure my cousins hygiene, especially her hair. My cousin has textured hair due to being half Hispanic, but her mom never learned how to care for it, and there is a ton of split ends and dead hair and my cousin is incredibly insecure about it.

I want to try to petition for custody. I have a good understanding of how to help with her trauma and trauma responses. She is close with me and trusts me, and I truly think I could do a good job of caring for her and helping her heal.

I am wondering what would be required legally in order for her to be placed in my care. What should I ensure is in place before I try to get custody? What do I need to know going into all this?

I do have a full time job. The pay is not super high, but it would enough to take care of both of us.