Meeting child day 2

As a "been there, done that" adoptive parent in FL can I please offer just a small bit of unsolicited advice? DON'T BE IN A HURRY!!!!! My husband and I took a long time discussing adoption before deciding to do it. We already had a very large family and we felt very confidant of our parenting skills and ability to handle just about anything (we would not take profound special needs). We were matched with and met a sib group of 3, and quite honestly it was the youngest that we (all of us - our kids included) fell head over heals in love with. We ignored the problems and issues with the other two because we could not imagine not having "Sweet pea" become part of our family. We rushed - rushed to overnights - rushed to move in - and especially rushed to finalize. We both say often - if we had it to do over again we would have taken longer. When the honeymoon is over the you get the real problems, especially if you have never dealt with those issues before, it can quickly become overwhelming. And the one thing you never want is to resent and regret when it comes to these kids. It is far more challenging than you will ever anticipate........ please take it slow.

Ask the foster mother to tell you as many specific things about him as she can think of. Also ask her why they are not adopting the child.Best to you.

Congrats & good luck!I'm an Adoptions CW. Florida statute states there must be a minimum of 90 days of supervision prior to finalization. Rare exceptions allow for a quicker finalization. Keep in mind the child placing agency needs to provide consents to your adoption attorney, so the agency can extend supervision on their own terms if it's in the best interest of the child. Also, the adoption process can be lengthly, so you may have no choice but to wait longer than expected.

J moved into our home this weekend! I couldn't be happier. He has to be living with us for 90 days then we can adopt him. These 90 days are going to drag :(

J moved in this weekend! We couldn't be happier. He has to live with us for 90 days before we can adopt him :( These 90 days are going to drag

just fyi, in florida, it's 90 before you can petition for adoption..... then you have to wait for court for that..good luck can't wait to hear more!!

Very excited. Does anyone know what happens when you get a court date? What happens in the room.

Our kids have been living with us for about 60 days now. It will be 90 days on August 27th. Our caseworker says we will probably be able to finalize toward the middle of September. She says since everything has been pretty smooth, and most of the paperwork and everything gets done before the placement is made, the actual finalization doesn't take as long (keeping in mind that we adopted from Florida. If you adopt from out of state it can take longer) I asked about the actual hearing, and she said there may be a few other hearings that day, and those people would be there as well for the same reason. She also said that we could invite anyone we would like to. She said it only takes about 15 minutes; they ask several questions, you answer, and you're done! I would imagine it would be like getting married in a courthouse, though I could be wrong on that.

We finalize Aug 24th. My case adoption specialist said that there will be other families there for the same reason and that it doesn't take long at all. She said it takes about 2-3 weeks depending on where the child was born to get a new Birth Certificate and that the adoption judge order you get in 3 days. We are so excited!!!!

That's so exciting that you have him in your home already. Can I ask all of you - how the heck did you get matched so quickly in Florida? I'm in the NW and it's like pulling teeth to even speak to someone here. It took over a year just to get an approved home study. What was it like where you are?

I am also in NW Florida - I worked with Lakeview Center. Our timeline was: (A) MAPP class starting in May 2009 (B) Homestudy approved around October 2009 (C) I watched heart galleries and made inquiries around the state (D) Jan or Feb 2010 contacted by Lakeview coordinator about possible Foster to Adopt sib group (legal risk) (E) Decided legal risk was not for us (F) Inquired about the kids status several months later and were told that legal risk was cleared - told them we were interested (G) Home study had to be all updated - finger prints and all (home visits and interviews less detailed) (H) Met the kids August 4, 2010 (update still in process so all meetings were with caseworkers or fosters at first and then gradually without) (I) Two weekend overnights in a row - late August early September (J) Moved in September 11, 2010 (K) Finalized adoption December 17, 2010 It's a process and it is frustrating, especially when you hear about "all these kids that need good homes", etc. My advice - be active and be known. Make sure the local coordinator knows your name. Be flexible in what you are "looking for" - we never thought we would take three.... we were thinking one, maybe two. Best laid plans - God had other plans! Go to the adoptions picnics and events (another way to say be active and be known). Good luck!

The home study took for ever!!! I didn't expect to get matched at all. I figured I'd have to search for a child for a long time. I'm not sure what caught there eye about us, but I'm glad they did. Good luck and stay positive!!!

Had adoption Finalized today!!!!!! It was so much easier then what I had expected!

Yea!!!!! That's so awesome, enjoy your new family!

I have no idea how we got matched so quickly. It took 4 months to start the home study. Then maybe a week later if that we got the call about Boy J. I was surprised but very happy at the same time lol We have officially adopted him in the 24th of Aug. Waiting for the BC with the new names on it. The court order we recieved the NEXT day! The people at Deveroux and Heartland for Children were really helpful and consistent. *hint* sometimes you need to be consistent and pushy and stay on top of things lol