How to get temp. custody...

A family tragedy has left our niece and nephew w/o parents. Mother died and father is incarcerated for indefinite period. We need to know what do we need to do to get custody of these kids so we can have rights to them(i.e. put them in preschool, medical care, etc.)Kids are ages 1&4. We live in Cleveland, OH.Family is working together now.
Does things such as single parent vs. married couple, house vs. apartment, etc play a role in who should try to get custody?

I'm sorry to hear for your loss. Seeing as though the father is incarcerated he should be willing to allow you to adopt the children. Atleast give you guardianship of them so that you can provide for them.Do you speak with their father? You should ask him if he will agree to this and then get yourself a lawyer to draw up the papers. It shouldn't matter who tries to get custody as long as it's someone who loves the children and only wants to do what is right. They are suffering from a terrible loss and i can't imagine what it is like for them to not have mommy or daddy around. The only thing that should matter is what is best for them.They would be better off with family then in a foster home with strangers. I commend you for wanting to take these children in and help them go on with their lives after such a terrible loss.