Oh. My. Gosh. Getting a passport is so frustrating!

Not only do I keep getting different answers as to what I need from the State Department, but when I delve for details they really have no idea! So originally, State Dept said I needed something showing I had custody, as well as something saying they can travel outside the country with me and then also something saying that I could apply for a passport with them. So I got my foster sheet to show custody (nope, that was not good enough because it does not show true custody, only medical authority?). Then I had a non-notarized department letterhead letter stating I could apply for a passport and also take her out of the country to [desitnation]. No, that also wasn't cool the woman at the post office said, because the permission to apply for a passport has to be unconditional and cannot mention a specific trip or what have you. That was last year and I gave up and used respite. Now this year we are traveling again, and I said lets not even bother, lets just use respite. Oh no! my caseworker said. Best interests of child are for her to travel with you! Of course that made me feel guilty, so I said fine, lets try again. Now the Department has dragged their feet and gave me one letter from the court saying she could go, but mentioning nothing about a passport and it is three weeks before we travel!!!!! So I sent them what I need AGAIN (4th or 5th time now). And I called the State Department again to verify and told them I need the official word on what we need once and for all, because it changes every time I call. Get this. The State Department guy put me on hold to talk with his supervisor, then came back and said "Go to talk to the foster child's social workers. They will know what you need." LOL!!!!!! they obviously are not familiar with the social workers. . . . It is anyones best guess if I will be able to get her a passport at this point. :confused: