Application

We have started the application process. When they sent me the packet (which is pretty big) I figured I would fill it out, send it in, someone would come out and talk to us...then write our homestudy, then it would be over. Well, the application packet took HOURS to fill out, and WEEKS to get the materials and paperwork they need. So, we are still "filling out" the application.

We just got our fingerprints taken, and from what I understand that is the longest part of this process...since those take about 2 months to come back.

I used to always wonder why people on TV would be so nervous that their adoption would fall through. I just didn't get it. Why would it fall through? You have a home...this kid needs a home...1+1=2 right? Well, now I understand. Apparently, they can jerk the kid out from under you at any moment. Until the child is 100% legally yours via adoption then the system can take them back if they want. A lot of it is on "technicalities" and such. For instance, I have read about this one family who were matched with a child only to find out that their agency refused to do what the child's state wanted them to. Well, instead of giving the family the chance to switch agencies they just gave the kid to the 2nd family in line.

But anyway, we are currently playing the waiting game. We are signed up for training in June for 7 hours with other adoptive parents and we start PRIDE training in July (hopefully!) - which is for foster parents. It teaches you how to deal with the many issues that foster children have and how to handle the system as well. While we are not doing foster we are adopting a DCFS child so we have to have the training.

We will not be meeting with our worker until all of our paperwork is finished. At this point all of our medical forms are filled out. I need to get the dogs vaccinated and the agency is waiting for all our references to come to them and I think that will be everything. So, right now, we are just waiting. :o)