process

I am just starting the process myself.. so I only have some answers... I don't think dogs are a problem in general. It will likely depend on the dogs temperaments and how small the potential kids are. I am going through the process to adopt from the state now and I have 2 english mastiffs (which are huge), but I am looking at older kids than you too, 9-14 yrs. I have also heard that they are always looking for volunteers to be child advocates and mentors. The home study is pretty much being grilled about your past, your present, your prospective future. They want to know what environment you came out of, how you plan to raise the children, discipline methods, etc. They also check out your home to ensure its safe for children. They may give you a list of improvements that have to made prior to being certified (things like making sure you have working smoke detectors, stuff like that. You have to have a background check.. you have to be fingerprinted, you have to give a list of references they can check with. Good luck to you!! Jen

Just to let you know that animals are not a problem. We went throught the process and had the homestudy. Really, its not a huge deal. Just be yourself! Lisaaz

There is a lot of good answers to your questions under the topic " Adopting older child in AZ?? ". Also, check out the Arizona Association for Foster and Adoptive Parents at [url]www.azafap.org[/url]. Good Luck!

I appreciate this information since teh internet can have a lot of useless information when you google it. Knowing which ones are reliable webistes is good. Thank you

Hello everyone. My husband and I are new on this side today is our intake Interview. I also have two dogs, and I still working on my degree. I think just being your self is very important. We are looking at a nine year old from one of the profiles., but I have a question? What are children with RAD background? bye,

I check out the Arizona Association for Foster and Adoptive Parents at [url="http://www.azafap.org/"]www.azafap.org[/url]. I wish they kept it up to date. The events are all from 2005. Is there any events planned? I have hard about picnics that are specially for foster/adoption.

I have heard of these same things....I just spoke with one of my licensing workers and she said that the adoptions worker can better assist me...So I am going to be calling my adoptions worker so that I can get a peek at the registry and posiibly find out info on events.

I know all dogs 6 months and older have to have thier Rabies shots up to date. You have to have proof, like bill from Vet., or have thier rabie tags copied to put in your file.

You have a lot of good questions!Are you wanting to foster or adopt? or fost-adopt?In order to do foster care, you choose an agency and they begin the process. Most likely, they will ask you to do MAPP trainings, which are three hours per week for 10 weeks. In order to foster, you have to prove that you can financially care for a child without help from the state (although they give it to you). Your dogs should not be a problem (like everyone said) as long as they have good temperments and up-to-date vet stuff. A home study is like an all-about-you book. A worker will do home visits (usually 2-4) in which they interview you and your family. They write everything up and that, along with your home inspection, decide whether or not you can be a foster parent. If you are not ready to be a foster/adopt parent, consider volunteering at different events, being a CASA worker, getting licensed to provide respite, etc. Someone else had another question... about kids with Reactive Attachment Disorder. I suggest looking up the disorder, as well as finding out if there are any foster parents out there who have personal expereince. It is definately something that comes up a lot in foster care, and is something that seems to me to be pretty complex.

I was so worried about the home study. Turns out it took less than an hour and most of that time was paperwork. They inspected everything that was on the checklist. I didn't have a copy of my dogs rabies but I had made a copy for my home study. So they were faxed to the inspector. I was told they are sending over my home study in next week. But I also hear that they are just checking on my references this week. I hope they get back with them soon. How long did it take to get licensed/certified after the paper work was sent in. I have been told it can take as little as 2 to 3 weeks to 90 days. I have been told that it could take as long as a year and a half to be called on for children. Even longer if I'm picky. What is everyone's experience on this?