Just beginning. . .

SuzyQ · 08-09-2004, 02:42 PM

Hi everyone! I just wanted to introduce myself, and let you know I'd be out here surfing around, and reading the info you've all posted! Long story short, we've TTC for several years. I think i'm ready to put that behind me- the bottom line is, I want to build a family- the child/children certainly don't have to be my biological children for me to love them. RIght?! We live in Florida, and I think we're going to look into adopting a sibling group 2, or maybe 3) through the Dept of Children and Families.

I'm looking forward to being able to lean on you guys for info and support, I I will certainly share what I learn as well.

spookycyster · 08-09-2004, 03:01 PM

Hello and welcome!

My name is April. I also live in Florida...we went thru Children's Home Society and had a fantastic experience. I would highly recommend them.

I can certainly understand how you feel about loving children. It doesn't matter if they are born of your body or not. I couldn't love ds any more or any less if he was our bio baby. He IS our BABY and that is all that matters.

Good luck to you....I hope your wait is short and that your forever child(ren!!) come to you soon!

April

jenniferw223 · 08-10-2004, 10:13 PM

I am also in Florida can you give me more information on the Childrens Home Society? I am in Orlando. How much was the total cost and how long did it take you to get your baby? i think we are going to start the process soon.

spookycyster · 08-11-2004, 01:00 AM

Jennifer,

Children's Home Society has a set fee for infant adoption--last year, it was $13,900 for their fee. That does not include any birthmother fees or your attorney. They told us that the typical wait for a newborn was 12-18 months, but we were placed in less than 3 months--ds was just meant to be ours! Our experience was not typical as far as the wait time goes. CHS was great. We had a wonderful experience with them and if we were going to be living in the states, we would definately use them again.

You should have a Children's Home Society in your area. You should be able to find them by doing a web search.

Good luck!! If I can help you with anything else, please let me know.

April

hanshab · 08-12-2004, 03:55 PM

I live in Ohio, but adopted my daughter from Florida in 1999. The agency we used was Gift of Life in Pinnelles Park, Florida. They had a great counseling program for birthmoms that is good for their entire life. My ex and I (we were married at the time) went to them with a birthmom already identified so the cost was significantly reduced. At the time the cost was $5,500, plus our attorney's fees in Ohio. I believe that if we would join the agency and have them search, the cost was $20,000 which covered everything including birthmom medical expenses.

I honestly believe that my daughter was always meant to be mine, she was just in a different tummy. I believe that was God's way of saving me from the pain of childbirth.

Good luck to you.

SuzyQ · 08-20-2004, 09:02 AM

Thanks for the info ladies. I will look into both Children's Home Society & Gift of Life.

I have contacted DCF (Dept of Children & Families) and DH & I will be attending an orientation next week. We don't plan to foster- (already so much heart break after the failed fertility treatments)- but I'm told the orientation is for both fostering & adopting through the state program.

To be honest, I'm looking forward to hearing their presentation. As I stated before, we are thinking we'd like to adopt siblings, but some of the stories I'm hearing about children coming from such tough environments, is making me nervous. (Behavioral issues, are to be expected. But in reading some other websites/postings and hearing about the violent tempers, the tormenting/torturing of the family pets, etc.) I know these kids will be coming to us somewhat "fragile", but I'm a little nervous. Any insights?