an unfit mother

I haven't seen this subject so here goes. I'll try to keep this short.

My sister Peggy is 30 years old, never been married, can barely keep a job, always hooks up with losers who are in and out of jail, do drugs, etc. She lives in NYC. 2 years ago she had her now 10 year old son taken away from her due to abuse and neglect. Children's services had been called 3 or 4 times. My parents had Joey for a year before my oldest sister Pat, married, no children and living in a nice suburb of CT, offered to take care of him. He is learning disabled and due to severe asthma receives SSI. Since being in CT he has improved in school as well as his behavior. Pat and her husband are trying to get permanent custody of Joey. They go back and forth to court against Peggy. She has been ordered to keep a job, get a clean apartment for herself, Joey and her 7 year old daughter. She is now living with Ray who deals drugs (no convictions that we are aware of but he is known in the neighborhood). She has yet to get a job and now she says she is engaged to Ray. Pat feels that despite her best efforts for Joey he will wind up back in this horrible situation. What are Pat's options? Any advice from anyone - lawyer or lay person - please help. Thanks.

mississippi---first mom hasnt obtained job.when she does they should require she employed on a continueing bases. tell sis who has 10yr old--keep case log of interaction between natural mother and child,hire a private detective to watch mom and soon-to-hubby. even though unfit mom marries ---no reason for the courts to give custody back, especially since known drug dealer has no income to show for....good luck---let me know how it goes...your ms friend penny