How can i get custody of my niece??

[Helpme2016]

Jurisdiction

South Carolina

My niece mother just went to jail for allowing her boyfriend to beat on my niece. My brother died last thanksgiving so of course he is not in the picture. Im guessing my niece is in dss custody. Noone will talk to me about whats going on. I want to get custody of her before they try to place her in adoption or with a permanent family. Do i have any rights to her?

 

[army judge]

My niece mother just went to jail for allowing her boyfriend to beat on my niece. My brother died last thanksgiving so of course he is not in the picture. Im guessing my niece is in dss custody. Noone will talk to me about whats going on. I want to get custody of her before they try to place her in adoption or with a permanent family. Do i have any rights to her?

You have a familial relationship to the child.
Such a relationship doesn't mean you're qualified to be her custodian.
I suggest you start by asking child services if you could care for the child to avoid her being placed into the foster care system.