The waiting, what is normal for the process?

I am glad it isn't just us. The foster care system is a mess. We were open to foster care but now there is no way we would consider it. So many children need homes but these agencies are so broken and clueless. We are now thinking of just doing the foster to adopt and get the kids out of the system. I am okay with waiting, I realize they are busy, however be courteous and be up front with what to expect instead of leaving people hanging. We passed the class, they could have us do babysitting at the foster homes or volunteer while we are waiting to have our homes approved. We keep hearing about the desperate need for help, there must be something we can do to help :grr: