Advertisements
My husband and I are supposed to start MAPP this Sat. we are taking the expidited classes so we will be done Sept 29. We are primarily taking the classes becuase our neices, A (3yr) & A (7m) are in foster care in TX. A (3yr) has been in and out of family placements since birth and A (7m) has been family care and then foster care since she was 7 weeks old. They are currently in foster care together. My husband and had the 3 year old from 9m to 2 1/2 but the state dept in TX "requested" her return when A (7m) was born (there was a case for abondanment in FL but FL returned the case to TX). The girls stayed with mom and dad 7 weeks before being removed. Now the schedueld reunification date is May 5, 2008, despite the parents frequent trips in and out jail (the mom is currently prego baby due in Jan). Is there anything we can do in the mean time to help our neices? TX will not send them to FL because the parents would not have their visits.
Additionally will taking these classes help out our situation at all?
We were planning to adopt from abroad before the issues with our neice came up but now we would like to adopt a hild in the system. Are MAPP classes necessary for a straight adoption?
Like
Share
Sorry to hear about your situation. The short answer is yes you'll still need MAPP training for straight adoption and fostering. I'm not sure where you're located in FL but our agency just split MAPP up into two different classes, one for straight adoption and the second for foster/adopt. They used to be 10 weeks but now are 13, though if you're taking the accelerated classes that doesn't pertain to you. If you can, you may want to attend the next hearing in TX for your niece's so they know other family is in the picture. I'm afraid there may be little you can do until TPR has been initiated. If you and your husband have contact with the bio's you may want to tell them that you're willing to take the children so they know they're 'still in the family' and go from there. Good luck and keep us posted.
Advertisements
YES, Mapp classes are needed for straight adoption also here in Florida. When we found out our niece was in foster care in Idaho we contacted them. Idaho required us to be licensed foster parents before deciding on placement with us or with the current foster family. Even in Florida if they are placed for adoption there is a 6 month period before adoption can be done. And TX is trying to see if you are really dedicated to taking the kids by doing these things they require. And until TPR is initiated they are considered foster kids and you'd have to be licensed in order to have them placed with you. Our niece was not TPR'd when placed with us however we had to become licensed here in order for that to happen. Now TPR is done so we are working towards adoption. You will also need an ICPC done which can take months...It's not fun. It took us 11 mos to get our niece here. It's best to go there to visit them too and attend any hearings if you are allowed. That way you are aware of the case and what is happening there. Is the goal TPR or RU? Does the current placement want to adopt them? Where are they in the case plan? etc..And call the SW there and get the GAL's number and stay in touch with her. They are the voice of the kids so they can hopefully help you. Our GAL is great from Idaho. We talk via email alot and I send her pics of our niece and things we are doing here. We also had to hire an attorney in Idaho to represent us as we were getting the major run around from the agency there about our niece. That helped speed up the process too, but it cost us also and it made us look bad somewhat to the agency. If you have any questions feel free to PM me.
We have a lwyer inTX to represent us. The bio's feel that we are threat to RU because A(3yr) is bonded to us. What did they think was going to happen after voluntarily being absent for 2 1/2 years! Since being reunited the first time which was in Feb 2007 both girls have had 4 placements! Currently the girls are scheduled to be reunited with the bio's in May 2008. This whole process is heart breaking. My entire family is in conflict. Some how things went from what was best for two little girls to who should have more rights despite life style!
But anyway thanks for the advice it is appreciated! And will defnitley be taken into account!
Advertisements