Contra Costa: county or agency

Sorry I can't say particularly for Contra Costa, but a little East, where we are, I would say: You get through the licensing faster with an agency, but you will probably wait longer to get a placement with an agency. Also, I thought that having an agency would give me more support, but I have found that I don't get more support I get more SWs to deal with and more people to send copies of papers to. We were going to switch to the county, but now I don't think we will take more placements after our daughter's adoption is finalized, so it won't matter anyway. Good luck making the choice that is right for you and your family. If you haven't already done so, I would suggest setting up meetings with both the county and agency and see which seems right to you then.

Thanks for your reply! Yes, we are going to both the county and two agency informational sessions to try to figure it out. It's hard to figure out the state (organizational and funding wise) of our county right now, some google searching I've done leads to news articles on how Contra Costa County had a well funded, functional foster care system in the late 90's/early 2000's. However, I then found articles explaining cuts in the budget may have caused lay-offs (of up to half?) of county social workers in 2003, with no follow up on how that affected the foster care process here in CoCoCo, so I guess I'm going to have to ask some blunt questions at the info sessions!

One benefit of going thru an agency then might be that you might be able to get fost/adopt placements from out of your county. If your county is moving slowly, then it is possible to look to adopt from outside your county. If you were just fostering, then it might be best to stick with your county and not an agency since they are more likely to send to their own homes first. You'll have a better idea once you go to the meeting and ask all the questions you have.

Hi, We are currently going through Contra Costa County and we are having a great experience! Everyone has been very helpful. I have been very impressed by how quickly the social workers have gotten back to us when we leave messages or have questions. Feel free to pm if you have any specific questions.

Hello, I am currently getting my master's degree in social work and I have an interest in adoption and foster care. I have chosen my senior advocacy project to be focused on the creation of an adoption/foster family support network in Contra Costa County that would support permanency within families. These supports could include: Family support networks, respite and child care, summer/winter camps/ education, and unifying activities. Through my research thus far I have found only a couple of support groups within this area with minimal participation. I know from my research that families who adopt/foster do much better when there is a supportive structure in place and when they have access to resources. I am envisioning a community of adoptive/foster parents who could come together to share their experience, strength, and hope so that everyone's needs could be met. I would love to see families sharing resources, tools, stories and helping each other to care for and support the health and stability of their new families. *If anyone has any thoughts on this or is interested please respond and share your thoughts and feelings on this endeavor.

Well, this is it. I am switching from a private agency to Sac. County. :clap: I just have to re-do everything all over again. Also figuring out my schedule for the PRIDE classes. This really sucks, after 3 years and getting only 1 baby. Then 5 months later, no other babies in my home, I am very upset I have to do everything over from scratch. :grr: But at the orientation I was very hopeful again. Why? Well I found out that Sac County will find homes first for the applicants that are signed up for Sac county, then if nobodies avail. they will look at outside agencies. That is why if you are at an agency, we are not getting anything. I will keep everyone informed about my progress. :flower:

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