I apologise

Welcome back.

Thanks for being brave enough to come back and apologize. This is a wonderful place for being able to have one's own opinion in a respectful manner. I appreciate and respect your humility. Be blessed today!

Thanks guys. Have a good day to u also!

No hard feelings. I'm not sure where you live but your state does things so differently from ours. In Maryland, you have to attend orientation first. Then you fill out an application. Then do the background check. Then do the classes. Then do the homestudy. It seems like your state is doing things in a different order. If prospective parents have orientation first, I think it would make the whole process a lot easier on them because they would know what to expect through out the whole homestudy process. Of course, what my state calls "orientation" might be very different that what your state means by orientation. Ours was just an informational meeting where you could ask questions and learn about the process. There was no commitment. Just sharing information so you can decide if foster/adopt is right for you. After the orientation, you could decide whether or not to submit an application.I'm not saying my state's process is better, just different.

I'm glad you're here. Fostering and adoption is a process of continuous learning, and we're all on it together.

Glad to see you back. Everyone here is wonderful, and I am sure you will be a great addition. Looking forward to hearing more about you, and your foster/adopt journey. Although it will not all be easy, it will be worth it.

I am not sure why things are backward on us:) I am thinking it is because we were to go with another agency but they only did kids from 8 and above. We wanted younger (baby hopefully) so we went with another agency and we needed to do the orientation with them also. We were going straight adoption first but now was advised on the foster-adopt which will help us (please God) get a younger child, this is why we had no education on ru. thanks for being understanding. And I am sure with helping each other we can get through a lot. Must run, parents are in town and my mom is gagging for a cup of hot tea:)

You probably won't have any trouble getting a baby or very young child. When I started the process in July to reactivate my license, I requested one or two girls between the ages of 3 and 6. The first call was for an 8 month old boy. I couldn't believe it. I was totally unprepared but he's SOOO worth it! I'm totally enjoying having a "son" -even if it isn't permanent. In fact, I still don't know how long he's staying. 3 months? 6 months? A year? There is a hearing in two weeks so hopefully I'll know more. Then on Monday, I got a call about a brand new baby girl left at the hospital. Poor thing didn't even have a name. Momma left her after giving several different names to officials and taking off instead of waiting for CPS. They said it was likely to be a concurrent plan of adoption & reunion with adoption being the likely outcome due to heavy substance abuse. Unfortunately, after lots of thought (and lots of tears), I told them I couldn't do it. It wouldn't be fair to the babies I already have. I made a commitment to "Brandon" and I really don't know how long he's staying. But he and my daughters need my time & attention. As a single, working mom, I would just be spreading myself too thin. And the new baby would need a lot of attention. So, I'm sure you'll get a call about a baby no matter what age you request.

I hope so Kat-L. I agree with you on not wanting to spread yourself to thin. You are doing a great job and it is so hard to turn down little ones no matter the age but you made the right choice. I am sure this little one went to a great home.

I am so happy to see you back dreamangel-I have thought about you & your husband. I think you & your husband have so much to give a foster/adoptive child. You & your husband have first hand knowledge of loss; he lost his health & you almost lost your husband. You have invaluable experiences that few people have & can share with a child. Evan an infant placed in care has already gone thru a loss they will only grow up to understand thru you - his/her mommy. I am so happy you are back - you have the wisdom to know when to acknowledge mistakes & apologize. Parenting is an ongoing learning process & the more open a person is to learn the better for the kids. Good luck on your journey-your baby is out there & will be home soon.

Bethy724, thank you for such kind words. I think in all, life is one huge lesson that we all continue to learn each day. I truly was given a gift from God when he gave us a brand new life (my husband and I) . I continue to learn and please God one day if I am blessed with a child we can all learn from each other. Losing/almost losing someone you love is very hard to deal with but having the right support and love from our families, we can get through any curve ball thrown our way. Again thank you for your support and understanding.