A child who is unrelated to the person who provides support may be able to claim a dependency exemption if the child is a qualifying relative. Even though there are no blood ties, a qualifying relative includes a child of another taxpayer as long as that other taxpayer is not required to file a tax return (or does so only to obtain a refund). But check all the tests for a dependency exemption (support, gross income, etc.).
The IRS action of fixing tax liability that sets in motion collection procedures, such as charging interest, imposing penalties, and, if necessary, seizing property.