Adoption

I realized I haven't updated my blog in forever so if you don't read my notes on Facebook I'll post some of them here so you can get an idea of what we are doing :).

Since so many people asked for information about the adoption venue we are taking I thought I'd post a note.

Alex and I sought out private adoption agencies last year with little luck. We knew that if money was the only thing standing in our way nothing was standing in our way. God is bigger that $35,000. Soon after our experience our Pastor told us to keep our options open and contact the county. We were a little hesitant because of the horror stories we had heard but we thought, who are we to limit God.

We called the county and found that the first step was to attend a free orientation at the Palmdale civic center. The number to call is 1-888-811-1121, be prepared to take a chunk of time out of your work day, 3 hours to be exact. They give you all the information you need to know and basically hold your hand through the entire thing.

Here are the 6 steps to completing the foster/adopt home family application process.
*Step 1 - Attend orientation
*Step 2 - attend and complete 33 hours of training (MAPP)
*Step 3 - Submit application and orientation certificate
*Step 4 - Call Live Scan (800) 315-4507 for fingerprints
*Step 5 - Home Study (they come to your house and check out you and your family)
*Step 6 - License issued!

You will receive the application and forms to fill in and your certificate at your orientation.

They also give you a check list to make sure your home is child safe and up to par to bring a child into your home. That way you aren't surprised when they come and visit, you'll already know what they are looking for.

The PS-MAPP classes are required. The program is a 33 hour, interactive group format led by a team of 3 facilitators including an experienced resource parent, a trainer from the community, and a children's social worker from DCF. Workshops are available at various community colleges and community based agencies in cities throughout LA county.

The live scan is fingerprinting and background check which will be your ONLY OUT OF POCKET COST! $75 for each adult living in your home.

I know a lot of you, like me have heard your own horror stories about adopting through the county.

Myth: They are only going to give me a special needs child.
Truth: They will only give you a special needs child if you get 2 years of experience as a foster parent first or have some sort of specialized nursing license. It is quite difficult to get a special needs child because...well...they have special needs and if we can't meet them than they wont give them to us. And God bless those whose heart is for children with special needs because they need you and your love.

Myth: I can't afford it.
Truth: Adoption through the county cost nothing aside from the $75 for the fingerprinting which is to the fingerprinting company, not the county. You do not need to make a certain amount of money only enough to provide for your family. You do not have to own your own home, you can rent, lease, apartment, mobile home, ect.

Please, if you have any others questions or concerns let me know, if I didn't learn today in my 3 hours of intensive orientation I will give you a number to call.

For the Caretakers of the children
by Diane Loomans

To the Caretakers of the Children,
Who do the most honorable and challenging work
On the face of the earth.

May you live with compassion,
And teach with great love.

May you love the children as they are,
And inspire them to be even more.

May you see the world through their eyes,
And remain rooted in your own ground.

May you guide the children with direction,
And allow them to find their own way.

May you teach them self-discipline,
And treat them with great respect.

May you show the children your humanness,
And be a model of strength.

May you be present for the children,
And give them freedom to explore.

And may you blossom in your own garden,
As you nurture the seedlings to full bloom.