Adopting through the state?

[georgiapeach]

I went to a foster/adoption fair put on by our local DFACS last weekend and was really impressed with the information I received. Have any of you ever adopted through your state? What was your experience with it? The reason I am asking is because I haven't heard of too many people doing it this way, but it is so much more cost effective that I figure there must be a reason why people wouldn't do it. Any input or advice you gals can give would really help me out. I am just now in the process of gathering all the information we might need to make a decision.

Thanks a bunch!
Angie

[so-tired]

Hi Angie!

My experience is a bit different... but the state is paying for my attorney and court fees for my son's adoption... I can't complain!

My hubby and I have even discussed if we want #2 down the line going thru the state. The down side is babies are hard to come by... and a lot of high needs, multi racial children. If you are open to these possiblities... I say it is worth a try!!!!

DH is multi-racial himself and my family is african-american/caucasian mixed so we are personally open to any race and that really helps a lot!

I personally believe that the state is in dire need of loving homes.... and if you are open-minded I think you should give them a call!!!

Best of luck!

[slhightower]

HI Angie,

My DH and I are going thru the state in a round about way (we are using a non-prof agency that places hard to place kids that are currently in the foster system), but as far as cost it is exactly the same as working directly thru the state. Anyway, we have been very pleased so far with our experience... I think one of the main reasons so many choose not to go thru the state is because of wanting a newborn. Unless you are willing to take siblings (you have a better shot at an older one with a newborn), you are looking at closer to toddler or older. That is just my take on things.....

Good luck, and let us know what you decide to do.

[MaryS]

We are in the process of finalizing, should be done by August, our adoption of 3 brothers from the state. We went thru Lutheran Social Services for our homestudy since our county doesn't do them anymore. Most children in state custody are older children or siblings. There were no fees for the adoption, and the only thing at finalization we will pay for are new birth certificates.
Our boys had been in 3 seperate foster homes for 2 years waiting for their forever family.
Mary

[Skywaitress94]

Hi! DH and I are currently foster adopting two babies! Ethan is now 4 mo old and Olivia is 14 mo old. In Nevada it is called FF or Flexible Family. The program training is the same as it is for foster parents and you do become a licensed foster parent. The only difference from straight foster is that you are placed typically with children under age 2, although some are older, and they are children unlikely to go back to birth families. Our children are special needs but if you ask me any child available through the state is special needs no matter what. In our case we are dealing with fetal drug exposure and fetal alcolhol syndrome. They are beautiful and thriving! Our adoptions should be final the end of this year early next year.

Good Luck

Lisa

[One tattered Angel]

Our DS came to us when he was a day old- we did not bring him home until he was 12 days because he had pnemonia. Well this June will be his one year since we adopted him officially and he is 19 months now. We went thru fostercare in our home town and it helped to always let the workers know this is what you want. Be specific if you like. Now let me tell ya it took us 5 kidos before we got Joshua and a total of 14 and now we may be adopting a special needs child from the lower 48. It takes time but like you we could not afford to go the adoption way. In our state of Alaska you pay the upfront amount and then after everything is done the state reinbursed us.

[macrod]

We are in the process of adopting our baby girl. We have had her since she was 6 weeks old and she is now 14 months old. We were literally on a rollercoaster. At first it looked as if she was going to go to a relative in CA, then their homestudy was not approved, then the bio parents were working the plan and doing the visits, then another relative came forward. It took 6 months to get a homestudy on that relative and in the mean time all we could do was pray for our baby as the place that they wanted to send was in another country to live in dire poverty. I prayed so hard for her - that God would have mercy on her. Anyway, CPS wanted us to have her but they did not think that they could fight it. So, luckily in our state we are able to have legal represention. We hired a lawyer 1 week before the trial. After this is over we will have spent probably $5000. But we would have done anything to keep our baby with us. Something to think about: What are the rights for fosterparents in your state. Can you help with the reunificaiton process? What types of special needs are you willing to accept. If you are looking for a baby they are out there but in most states they can not tpr the bios until 6 months to a year and the bios have rights to their children until tpr. Just something to think about. Good luck on your decision.

[georgiapeach]

Thanks ladies for all of your replies. It definitely is a lot to think about, isn't it? My main concern with going through the state is that I want a baby. Doesn't have to be a newborn but would really like one no older than 1 year old. But we really can't afford to go private right now either. We just don't have $30K lying around right now, you know.

But anyway, I appreciate y'alls advice and experiences. I hope to pray about this and make the right decision.

Thanks again,
Angie