Replies to '08/07 Against All Odds'

I live in So. Cal and am the informal guardian of a 12 yr old girl.  I have never had any dealings with the helpful agencies out there and am hoping someone here can help direct me to help another child "beat the odds'

The girl living with me is my daughters fiance's sister.  Her mother is a drug addict who recently got out of jail and is now living in a homeless womens house.  My future son-in-law  grew up in the foster system and doesn't want to see that happen to his sister.  I took this girl in because I thought it was probably in her best interest.

Anyhow, she desperately needs orthodontic work and the state keeps turning it down for unfounded reasons (ie, she still needs to lose baby teeth that have beengone over a year).  Not only do I not know where to turn, the dentist office says if it isn't done this year she will have to have major facial surgery to correct her problems.

Next, was I wrong to not formalize her living with my family?  Is the foster care system not as bad as all the stories you hear?

Any insight would be welcome!!

Thanks all