Who would have thought pouring concrete would lead to blog material?

It’s a happy day at our house. The concrete people are here doing the base for our new garage. We are putting in a new driveway and garage in an attempt to make our house more appealing to buyers. We have had a shared driveway and garage with my dad for 10 years. It works for us, however other buyers are not so willing to sign onto this. The sole reason we are selling our house is that my mother lives two houses away from us. If you read this... more

Before a child can be adopted, there must be a termination of parental rights, on both birth parents. They fall into two categories.

Voluntary - This means that a parent has determined that he/she is unable to care for the child, and is willingly terminating their parental rights.

Involuntary - Generally, this occurs when a child has been removed for abuse or neglect. This is usually done through a court hearing. The parent has the option of choosing a jury trial or a bench trial.

Some... more

In my recent blog titled “Once you have been matched” a reader wrote a great comment regarding reading a child’s profile and case history.

Also look carefully for gaps, or holes in the information. It is better to play connect the dots, and try to get a whole picture BEFORE your child comes home, rather than when they are with you and in crisis.

That is a GREAT answer, and one I wish I could convince parents of, but... more

You have the choice of using a private agency to do your home study, or using the state agency that is assigned by the program. Some state agencies contract with private agencies to do your home study. Be sure you ask about this when you have your informational meeting.

There are definite pros and cons to each type of agency. One of the largest differences is money. Private agencies charge a fee for the home study. State agencies generally do not charge any fees, or the fees are covered under the non-recurring... more

Matching means that a social worker has selected you as a potential family for a waiting child. This is the point where you get detailed information on the child, and make your decision as to whether or not the child is a good “match” for your family.

Be prepared to say no

You are ready for a child to enter your home, and join your family. That does not mean that you have to “take” a child that your adoption worker suggests you. Make sure that this a good match for your family. There are other children available,... more

In most states, you are considered a foster parent during the period between placement and finalization. You have all the rights and responsibilities that accompany your foster parent license, but also know that these rights may limit what you can and can not do in regards to your child.

Since you will still be under the supervision of your social services office, or adoption agency, they will need to be consulted or notified of major medical issues. If you need to admit your child to hospital, you will need to notify the office immediately.... more

Before you start the “formal process”, you need to begin the emotional process. This is the time for heavy duty, soul searching. Why do I want to adopt a child?

Can I provide a stable home for a child?

Am I ready to open my heart to another's needs?

Is this child just a substitute for a lost child or a person in his/her own right?

Am I willing to go through all the paperwork and various other requirements to have a child?

Can I love this child as my own?

Will your family... more

An adoption home study is like a job interview for the most important job you will ever have. An adoption home study can be overwhelming if you don’t know what to expect.

The worker from the home study agency will come to your house to interview you, and to check the capabilities of your house to handle the child. In states where you are required to be a licensed foster parent first, they will check to make sure that your home complies with foster home regulations. You may request a copy of those regulations from your... more

The adoption application looks like a very simple document, but you will spend time looking for information to add to your application, and documents to attach to it.

Following is a list of some of the things you will need for your application.

Employment history for the last five (at least) years

A reference request will be sent to your current employer, and possibly past employers, depending on the length of employment in your current job. They are looking for things like:

Dependability-... more

Each state has a photo listing of the children who are available for adoption in their state. You may find them on the website for your individual county or state special needs adoption website, but there are other photo listings as well.

Photo listings are small biographies, along with a photo, of some of the children that are available for adoption. This does not accurately reflect all of the children. There are far more children in care, than can possibly be listed.

These listings can give you an idea of the “types” of children available,... more