While we sit and wait there are so many emotions that go through our heads.
Mr. k takes his stress, nervousness, fears and bottles them in. While I get chatty and keep asking questions that I know we both don’t have answers too. So what do I do. Go back to the website and read everything they have.
I am so happy I did because I found out links to parenting tips and I also read the process that their agency has.
So now I am printing that process and putting it on my command board so we can check off each phase that we go through.
Here is the list that they have Brief over view Foster-adopt process
So now we are looking at the overview and know that the process is going to be very intense. We have looked into it but nothing prepares you for this list:
Getting Started: Orientation & Application
Attend our Orientation Meeting about the Fost-Adopt Program
Initial Home Inspection scheduled
Complete the Application, Statement of Understanding, Release of Information, Criminal Record Statement, & Medical Form w/Lab Results
Return completed forms with copies of submitted fingerprint Live Scan Forms and County Clearance Documents
Step 1: Becoming a Certified Resource & Adoptive Parent
Complete PRE Approval training to prepare for the adoption of a child(ren).
Complete the Home Study process with an assigned social worker from HCH. (The Home Study is an in-depth report that is completed through documentation & a series of interviews: a couple/single adult interview, individual interviews with all family members, & a Home Safety Inspection).
Your Home Study is reviewed & approved by Hannah’s Children’s Homes.
Your Home Study is distributed to Counties for matching
Step 2: Matching Children to be Adopted & Fost-Adopt Families
There are many ways in which the matching process occurs:
Approved Fost-Adopt Family provides Foster Care
Family gets to know the children in their home over time
The family expresses their interest in adopting a child placed with them
Approved Fost-Adopt Family participates in our Matching Program
HCH attends county matching meetings, receives daily e-mail notices & monthly mailings
HCH and Family search a state website called California Kids Connection
Approved parents are invited to appropriate matching events
The matching process can take time & varies with the family, child(ren) & county involved.
In-depth phone conference calls are held with all involved social workers & their supervisors
Face-to-face presentations of the child’s information are arranged with the Fost-Adopt Family
A series of Pre-placement visits to meet and transition a child into your home.
Preparing everyone for the child(ren) to be moved into the fost-adopt home.
Step 3: When Children are placed in Your Home
Hannah’s Children’s Homes works closely with your family & county social services
The first 6 months the child is in your home as a Foster Care Placement & HCH will visit weekly.
After at least 6 months a child is legally free for adoption, Adoptive Placement papers signed.
Foster Care payments end & AAP payments begin.
Hannah’s Coordinates the Finalization Documents with the County, Court, & Attorney
The adoption is finalized in court!
Right now we are in the Orientation and Application Process
This is our journey, there are many stories that are similiar but this one is ours. If you have any questions please ask, if you have gone through the process please give up tips!
Just remember one thing
DO NOT PANIC
1sttimefosters 