We were first licensed for foster/adopt 5 years ago...but we never got any kids that were adoptable. We had 3 little girls, ages 3, 4, & 5 for 6 months, then we had 2 boys ages 2½ and 3½ when we got them, and they were with us for 3 years. They are with their birth parents now, but we've been asked to be their godparents, so we still see them once or twice a month. Anyway, after that, we decided we needed to push the issue of adoption. So, when we were having our homestudy to renew our license, we asked our licensor about what we needed to do for an adoption homestudy. She was telling us this and that, but then pointed out that we wouldn't be able to adopt through the state, because my dh has a felony on his record. Now this felony was YEARS ago, (but can't be wiped from his record for 2 more years...I'm 37 he's 47...we don't want to wait!) was not a crime against persons, did not involve weapons or drugs, etc... they had examined it and him very thouroughly to license us in the first place...looked into further references and everything...so my question is this - if he is good enough to take care of these kids for 3 years at a time, why isn't he good enough to adopt? That seems like discrimination to me....its ok as long as it is a service to the state, but when it benefits US, it is no longer ok? All we want is someone to be part of our family, for us to share our love with. We can't afford the prices the agencies charge...this seems to be our only solution. Anyone have any advise or know anything about the system here in Washington state? If no one does, thats ok too...its just nice to be able to vent. Thanks for "listening".
im sorry that sucks! DH and I are probably going to be in the same boat....he has a felony on his record from YEARS ago...like when he was 17, he is 28 now....
Where in WA state are you? Im in Graham...a little out past South Hill, Puyallup
Nicole
__________________ Nicole
"Wishing for baby dust"
Me (25) Hubby (29)
DX w/PCOS 05/2001
Two Children: Nathan 10yrs & Breonna 8yrs
4 Furry Critter: Zorna,Sylvie,Abbey & Pita.
*Started Repronex! 8/2005 into 9/2005 (still on it)**Cancelled due to low E2 Level 9/21/05**
~*~You gotta endure the rain before you see the rainbow ~*~
~*~....it is our longing that keeps us on this path of trying to concieve this child we so desperatly want in our lives....~*~
Wow! We're close. Just bought a house in Spanaway. We're in the process of relicensing for the new house, then we're going to raise a ruckus...see what can be done. You should have your dh check into having his record expunged...different felonies have different time tables as to when it can be done. Maybe that would work for you.
No, Mama2Destiny, we haven't contacted a lawyer yet. Once we are re-licensed at the new house, then we will start making some waves... but we want to get re-licensed first, so they can't come back and say "well you AREN'T licensed...." thanks for your post and compassion.
Jamie-Bubbles, thanks for your response. Your situation is even more outrageous than ours! People who have been adopted, or fostered in the past (as you and I have) I feel have more understanding and empathy for the situation and would make GREAT parents for these children...I've considered not fostering, in fact we haven't taken kids for the last year and a half for various reasons, but I know that I'm one of the ones out there who do it for love of the child...and if I dont do it...who will? Plus, it fills that "baby" shaped hole in my heart for a little while at least. We haven't been able to try anything like clomid due to the cost and insurances up here don't cover ANYTHING fertility, and as yet no AF's on my own...but I'm going to work at losing some weight and sticking to the Met better than I have, and see what happens there. Anyway, thanks all for you replies....
Discrimination??? 
