Child Welfare Information Website - US Government

http://www.childwelfare.gov/

Essential Resource

Here's an essential resource...

http://www.adoptuskids.com

Frustrating (but good) process so far.

The Dish and I have been praying about our adoption for several months now.  After much research, many questions, and lots of reading, we understood that the best way to go about a domestic foster-care adoption was to get into the Foster Care system. 

 

So, we contacted our county Foster Care department, and scheduled a meeting with them.  This was for initial paperwork, and for them to get to know us.  They arrive at our house, and we begin the paperwork.  About 10 times, The Dish and I mentioned that we are pursuing Adoption, not Foster Care specifically.  It went right over their heads. 

 

At one point, the comment from the social worker is that "Adoption agencies prefer prospective parents to have foster care experience before they'll allow adoption to happen."

 

I walked away from the meeting with the impression that while Adoption through the Foster Care system was possible, they certainly weren't going to encourage it, or help us out.  Their goal (rightfully so) is reunification with families.  Adoption is a last resort.  It became clear very quickly that this might not be the route we needed to go.  So, we decided to begin making a few phone calls and asking some more questions.

 

Then, yesterday, I ran across a phone number at the Wisconsin Adoption Resources website (www.wiadopt.org).  I called them, and was immediately connected to a social worker who was able to answer some significant questions.  First of all, I learned that the Foster Care people's statement about agencies prefering foster care experience was not true.  At the time, it seemed kind of self-serving, but I had no reason not to trust them.

 

So, we are being signed up for an Adoption Orientation meeting in April.

 

I think we're on the right track now!

 

The Adoption Guide

I just ran across a good site for adoption resources.  It's called "The Adoption Guide" and is available at http://www.theadoptionguide.com/.

 

Beginning

A few months back, my wife and I set out on a journey to adopt a child.  We realize that this may be the biggest, most challenging, yet most rewarding thing we have done so far.  This blog hopefully will trace our steps, and hopefully serve others who are wanting to adopt as well.