What are the steps for obtaining a child who is in custody of Social Services?

Ive Been taking care of one of my friends children for about 5 years. Not all the time, just every weekend and some school days. Recently her mother got arrested and the child ended up in the system. Im young, but fairly stable. I still live with my parents, and they have helped support this child since day one. Im talking about buying school clothes, doing the santa thing, and all other aspects of being her actual parent. Im totally heartbroken, and have tried to find out if there is anything I can do to gain temporary custody of her. Ive called DSS, but they wont give me any information. I love this child like she was my own youngain, and im willin to do whatever I have too. DOes anyone have any suggestions on how I get started in all this. I know the longer I wait, the longer she has to be in the system.