First Steps of Adoption

 OK! You've decided to go with the route of adoption. What is next on the agenda? Well, you need to find an agency within the state you live in. Next, you fill out an application with that agency to see if you are eligible for their program. Typically someone from that agency will contact you. That interview is the time you get to ask questions, and they get to ask you some deeper questions if there were red flags on the initial application. 

Let's pause here for a moment- Ryan and I have just completed the listed steps above. We spoke to the agency last Monday. It went over pretty well and we got some of our questions and concerns cleared. The agency sent us the next application (Round 2 and extensive) and then sent us a list of next steps. 

-- I will tell you that people with patience and perseverance will be better off throughout this process. It is not easy nor a quick process. A very detailed, extensive, and intrusive process lies ahead past the initial application. -- 

What are the next steps that Ryan and I are completing throughout the next 2 weeks? 

1) 4 online training courses. 

2) Completing a 15 page application. Part of that application are: background checks, medical records, financial records, each applicant completes a questionnaire, and other releases need to be signed. 

- What are some of the questions in the questionnaire that each parent fills out? Here are just a few  examples: 

     - Briefly describe yourself, including strengths and areas for growth (especially those important for parenting), irritations and pet peeves. How might others describe you? 

- How do you express your feelings, especially frustration, conflict and anger? Do you have any unresolved conflicts? 

- Did your family experience any traumatic events or have any family secrets? (While growing up.)

- Are you in the occupation of your choice? Please explain. Do you plan any changes?  

3) Attend a 2 day in-person training. 

4) Submit all records and then wait to be assigned a caseworker! 

These steps will be followed throughout the month of August. We will need employers/supervisors and friends to write letters of recommendations. Then a waiting period, and then more questions and meetings with a caseworker who will write our home study... but that will come later on in the year! 

Onwards is what we keep saying! August brings the 2 day training and the bulk of paperwork being completed. It will be interesting to see where we are by the end of this month. Please be saying prayers for us throughout this process. It's always a difficult journey being open and vulnerable with a stranger. You are saying, "This is who I am, who we are, and were we have been.... Will this be good enough to recommend us as parents?" You can be as confident as you want, which I always applaud confidence. However, the uncertainty of how everything will play out is there until the paperwork is done and signatures are placed on the line. 

As always, God is on our side and faith states that everything works out for the good. Whatever happens, will happen and all Ryan and I can do is take a deep breath and take the next step forward. 

Thanks for reading, wishing all is well with you! 

Until next time: Here is a picture of Ryan holding Zoe for the first time in the hospital, and our all time favorite video of us surprising my parents.... Oma and Opa in Colorado. 

Fun Fact- We call her Zoe because her birth mom named her Zoey while in utero. Zoe is actually 1 of her 2 middle names.