What is the name of your state? Kentucky - My friend has had physical custody of her great nephew since he was 4 months old. He was two this past August. State CPS have been trying to get the mother to voluntarily give the Aunt permanent custody but the mother vows to fight, even though she has failed to do any of the court ordered steps to regain custody in the two years since the child was taken. (The child's twin sister died which was why the boy was removed from the mother's care) Before the last court hearing, the natural father of the baby was murdered. If she adopts the child, since the natural father is deceased, would she also forgo any of the survivor benefits that the child might otherwise be entitled to? If she decides not to adopt but simply ask for permanent custody, is the natural mother still entitled to parental visitation even if the court terminates the mother's parental rights? Or do they not terminate parental rights unless someone is there to adopt?