I would like nothing more for Sammy to be able to join the military when he turns 18. I do not want my child to go into battle, but the structure would be so good for him, in addition to my knowing that he has a place to live and is eating every day.

Foster and adopted children are not excluded from joining the military, but there are some exclusions that may prohibit our “kids” from joining.

The military has a great website that specifically lists the exclusions, or disqualifications as they are called on ... more

My husband and I went through a year of infertility treatments when we received the news that we’d have to spend at least another $6000, I’d have to undergo surgery, we’d have to continue the injections and every other day trips to the doctor and there would be no guarantees. That was all we needed to hear to decide we were done. Adoption was our family building option. We were not opposed to adoption to begin with, but like most families we wanted to try for a biological child.

We evaluated all methods of adoption and we chose foster care adoption. Here... more

This will be my final blog for the month since the rest of the month will be knee deep in the ATN Conference, getting home and adding some respite kids to the household.

I am reading a book about being a stay-at-home mom. It’s called “Celebrate Home: Encouragement and Tips for Stay-At-Home Parents” and it’s got some really good information in it, and one part that I thought foster parents could really relate... more

There is an interesting article in the Florida Orlando Sentinel that I hadn’t thought of before, but it makes sense. I don’t know why this hadn’t crossed my train of thought.

A poor economy leads to an increase in child abuse. Many families are struggling, even those that are considered “middle class.” I know our family has had to tighten our budget and it’s been a downright horrid winter here.

Fuel prices are up, which means it costs me more to put... more

What can you expect when your worker visits you after your child has been placed with you?

Your worker should be visiting you at least once a month up until finalization. These visits are to see how both you and your child are adjusting to the placement. Workers expect that there are going to be issues, so don’t feel the need to sugar coat things and say that everything is going perfectly. Take this from a “been there, done that” parent.

I was afraid to ask for services because I thought if I said we were having difficulties that my child would be... more

Once you have passed the mandatory waiting period, you can file a petition for adoption. This must be done through your adoption worker. They will have several of the documents that you need, and they need to approve the petition.

You will need:

If you are adopting from another state, and going through the ICPC process, the petition will be filed in the sending state.

An original and a copy of the Order Terminating Parental Rights (in the case of the adoption of a child) must either accompany the petition or be filed prior to the adoption hearing.

The... more

Each year the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services awards several adoption excellence awards. There are several different categories and nominations are taken through August of the award year.

All of these agencies and individuals have proven their commitment to foster care and adoption, or they wouldn't have received these awards.

Here are the agencies and individuals who received awards this year, along with their respective category.

Category: Decrease in the Length of Time That Children in Foster Care Wait For Adoption... more

As a foster parent, you are required to keep a file on your child. Even if you are not required to do this at this time, it is in your best interest and your child’s. Should the placement not work out, you can pass this information along to your child’s next family.

What should you put in the file?

Copies of all school correspondence, including IEP paperwork, detentions, suspensions, report cards etc.

Dates and findings of doctors reports, lab tests, hospital visits, and other medical information.

Dates and details of behavioral issues and... more

The story lines on Desperate Housewives are usually pretty bizarre. After all it is essentially a soap opera.

There was one story line that was kind of rubbing me the wrong way, until Sunday night’s episode. Warning: If you haven’t watched the episode yet and don’t want to know what happens, stop reading until you have watched it.

The character of Bree, played by Marcia Cross, was faking a pregnancy. Her daughter Danielle, played by Joy Lauren,... more

I have been receiving news links that show a shortage of foster homes in virtually every state. As the number of children coming into foster care is increasing, the number of foster homes is decreasing. We’re running at a bad pace.

I was recently interviewed for a newspaper article about the subsidy rates for foster parents. I wrote about it in this blog. The article was written in response to a new report put out by Children’s Rights, the National Foster Parent Association... more