New to all of this... Foster to adopt

There are two ways you can go: county agency or private agency. If you go county, you are only placed with children from within that county. If you go private agency, you may be placed with kids from surrounding counties. To go county, call your local Children and Youth Services number. They will be able to help you. I went the private agency route. There are some differences between county and private, but not that one makes the other better...just different. County may pay a little more per day, but don't help with transportation and sometiimes it can be hard to get ahold of your worker (or even their supervisor). With the agency, they may pay a slightly lower per diem, but will help with appts, transportations and are more readily available (have a smaller case load than a county worker). My agency even has a 24 hr emergency number and Ive never gone longer than a day without a response (and in most cases, I get one immediately or within an hour). The first step I did when looking into fost to adopt, was contact SWAN (statewide adoption network). They mailed me a list of agencies within my area. I called each agency and talked with someone (if I could). I asked what are the typical type of kids they have, what does it take to be certified, etc. I then went to an orientation meeting at one agency. After that meeting, I decided to go with them. We had to attend training, be CPR/first aid certified, have 3 references submit letters, prepare an autobiography, have a physical, and then had 3 home visits for the homestudy. Fost to adopt is still risky. It really depends on the children's situation, the bio parents situation, etc. There is still a chance of reunification with fost to adopt. But you can continuously turn down offers for placements until you feel one is right. By the way, if you are willing to take a large sibling group (like 3 or more) that increases your chances. I know a lot of families willing to take 1 or 2...but I know my agency doesnt have a lot of people willing to take a sibling group of 3 or more. Im in dauphin county, if you'd like info on the agency I used, I can PM it t oyou if you want. Also, 2 familes used my agency as well, just a different office (its in Topton). I know they are about 1 to 1 1/2 hrs east of me, so it may be somewhat local to you. My husband and I had been considering international children. But with research we realized whether we adopted a child internationally or through fostercare, there was likely to be some kind of issues/needs with the kids. We are currently adopted an 11yr old boy that was placed with us as a straight adoption. Things have been going really well. You just have to consider what needs you are willing to deal with and by attending training and going through the homestudy process it will help you realize those you are and aren't willing. Sometimes you aren't sure and may be willing to give it a try. If you have any other questions, just PM me. Good luck!!!