July 2010- explored adoptflorida.org; called local number; signed up for MAPP classes
(MAPP classes are a series of 10 3-hour training classes for families considering fostering or adopting from foster care)
August 2010- began MAPP classes
We learned a TON about the kids in foster care and their experiences, the difficulties these children face and how to help children adjust to a new family, and what the adoption process entails. While much of the information wasn't entirely new or earth-shattering, it gave us a chance to discuss a large variety of topics surrounding adoption in more depth.
We filled out large stacks of paperwork about our family, our family backgrounds, education, finances, discipline, why we wanted to adopt, etc. We also signed consents for a number of background checks and fingerprints.
It was easy to get a bit frustrated filling out so much paperwork, but I tried to keep in mind that all these hurdles are designed to protect children who have already been wounded in their young childhood. If there weren't so many hoops to jump through, then some real weirdos could adopt these kids!
November 2010- home study
We were assigned a social worker, who came to our home to ask us lots of questions! The home study allows the agency to get to know us as a family, and to make sure that we are able to provide a safe and loving family for children in their care. Our social worker asked for clarifications and more detail about all the paperwork we had submitted. She also looked around the house to make sure things looked safe and well-cared for.
I was very nervous about the home study. I felt like I might say the wrong thing and POOF! our adoption hopes would be down the drain. Our social worker, though, was very personable, and made us feel very much at ease with the process.
The second meeting of the home study included a long series of questions about what sort of child(ren) we would consider adopting. We went through long lists of medical conditions, abuse history, developmental delays and behaviors. To each item, we had to state whether we would be willing to adopt, willing to consider, or not willing to adopt a child with that description. This was an emotionally difficult thing -- to say that you want this child but not that child. Our no's had mostly to do with protecting our two little ones.
November 30, 2010- bittersweet notice
Justin received notice that he was being laid off. Our approved home study arrived in the mail the same afternoon. We pause our adoption journey and begin a job hunt. I chose to see this obstacle as a test of our resolve. It would certainly be easy to be discouraged, but I figured the devil must not like adoption. I also decided not to look at the photolistings of waiting children during this time, since we couldn't pursue adoption without an income to provide for them!
February 2010- new job, resume adoption process
Justin didn't take long to get a new job, and with a raise at that! We being looking again at the photolistings again.
March 2010- home study submitted
We submitted our home study regarding a particular sibling group! We wait and pray patiently... well not so patiently!
No comments:
Post a Comment