Foster to Adopt Process - Step 1

On 2/11/08, Patrick and I attended an information session hosted by CPS about the fostering and adoption process through their organization. It was an interesting meeting and we were able to make some decisions based off of what we had learned. We decided to apply for the foster/adoption license through CPS directly (and not through a private agency). The benefit of doing both licenses is we can foster first before we adopt. The benefit of doing that is the foster parents have the right of first refusal when the child they are fostering becomes available for adoption. If the permanency plan for the child becomes adoption while we are fostering that child, we are offered to adopt the child first before any other adoptive parents are considered. When we were speaking to the person completing our application, she said they are in desperate need of foster families for infants, but not adoptive families for infants. Why? Because most foster families end up adopting the infants in their care once they are available for adoption. The hardest part about this process is going to be letting go of the children who are returned to their families. The comfort is in what is best for the children of course.

Our application has been accpeted and we have been approved to move to the next step of the process - PRIDE training. PRIDE stands for Parent Resources for Information, Development and Education. It is a 30 hour course that is required for foster/adoptive parents meant to provide skills and education for parenting. It is also especially for adoptive and foster parents of special mental or physical needs children. Our training classes begin on April 12, 2008 and continue through April 26, 2008. Once we complete the training process, we will begin the Home Study process.

The Home Study is just how it sounds. CPS will delve into every aspect of our lives, finances, mental stability as well as collect references and information about any criminal activity! The Home study could take up to 6 weeks. Once approved, we will be able to start fostering!

Keep checking back for more updates!