Officially started the process

[Rogue]

AW: I officially contacted several agencies including local dcf to get the foster/adoption process started.  Whoo!  I'm excited!

board questions:  I noticed for the most part you all only talk about adoption and foster care (who would have thought!). Do you ever have gtky or random threads or do you also post someplace else? Also, are there any check ins?

Actual question: Since I'm just getting started.  What advice would you provide to someone just getting started on the process?  

[drl]

Jul 11, 2015 9:29:02 GMT -5 Rogue said:

AW: I officially contacted several agencies including local dcf to get the foster/adoption process started.  Whoo!  I'm excited!

board questions:  I noticed for the most part you all only talk about adoption and foster care (who would have thought!). Do you ever have gtky or random threads or do you also post someplace else? Also, are there any check ins?

Actual question: Since I'm just getting started.  What advice would you provide to someone just getting started on the process?  

Congrats!!

We occasionally have Gtky threads. Someone does Ten Things Tuesdays and Wine and Whine Wednesdays. On the old board we used to do Hot Topic Tuesdays. I do see occasional check-ins, feel free to start one!

My advice: Make copies of everything!

[lizblue]

Welcome and best of luck with your process. My advice: trust your gut. If an agency doesn't feel right or you are questioning, it is ok to move on.

[gnomesweetgnome]

My advice is to read and educate yourself as much as possible about all aspects of adoption. Welcome!

[Rogue]

Jul 11, 2015 12:03:12 GMT -5 lizblue said:

Welcome and best of luck with your process. My advice: trust your gut. If an agency doesn't feel right or you are questioning, it is ok to move on.

Thanks! I feel like I'm too skeptical of people already.  



The last time we adopted a couple of cats, we randomly saw a rescue at the local pet store and they had adora kitties!  Months later I called the rescue and not only did the foster kitty lady remember us ( and details about our other pets) but she had told the owner about us too. I got really good vibes from them and that was the first time I really felt good about supporting and working with them.  She contacted me like 2 months after we got the kitties and I sent pictures of the kitties cuddling with our dogs.  She replied back.  I would totally work with them again. 

I hope I get those kind of vibes with at least one of the agencies or at least not where it feels like they're trying too hard to make themselves look good when they're not.

on a side note, I street viewed on google maps the agencies we are going to visit.  What do agency offices normally look like?  One looks like a home turned office and the other is a suite in a small building.  I imagine they don't really need the space but again, I'm fairly skeptical...

[gnomesweetgnome]

Both of the agencies I've worked with have been suites inside of medium sized office buildings. One has several offices locally, but they are all suites inside business buildings.

[chele]

We went through DCF so I know nothing about private agencies. But I would advise to be realistic about your limitations and honest with yourselves about what you can handle.

[hootiemommytobe]

First of all, COngrats!!! My Advice, get a strong support system around you! This process is a long journey and sometimes you need that extra bit of support. Of course, you can always come here for that! Also, what everyone else is saying, I say do also!! I wish you the best of luck!!!

[redandblue]

Congratulations on starting this journey! I agree with what PP have said. I will also echo being really honest with yourself regarding what your family can and can't handle. Honesty will be very important! I would also recommend not only doing your own research, but take advantage of any and all community training that is offered to you! Good luck as you begin this adventure!

[Rogue]

Thanks everyone! We just got back from our first information session! I think we both learned so much and it definitely solidified our desire to build a family through adoption. On the car ride back home I mentioned you all saying we should be honest about what we can handle. This resulted in a conversation about openness, disability, drug use, etc. it was a great conversation and I'm feeling good that we are both on the same page. We have a foster care information session to attend next week and I'm hoping to schedule a meeting with another adoption agency next week also.

So far to me it seems like it's a lot of hurry up and wait.