Parker, the best defense is knowlege. Look up the laws and be ready to put it all on the line for this little girl, she deserves it. I am sure she already has serious long-lasting affects from mom's abuse and neglect but she is young and if she can live in a place where she knows her needs will be attended to and that she is adored it will make it so much better. Please do this for the child. The residual damage can be seen in many of us here. Though different circumstances, neglect, abuse, witnessing violence and mental illness. That child deserves a chance. Speak to any group that knpows anything and be ready for her to file abuse claims against your son. Speak with the attorney about what you can do in advance to help with that. You are doing the right thing. Also, if this woman is an immediate threat to self or others call a crisis line and the police. If she is threatening violence or worse maybe she is dumb enough to say it in front of the wrong people. Also, I disagree with Sept about letting the child welfare people get involved. If there is a way you can be sneaky and have them witness what is going on i will help. They would much rather place a child with kin then with strangers. It is worth an annonomous call at least. Check out your options. Good luck.