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I have found that the most useful information comes from this forum, gleaning from people who've walked this road before!
So on that note, I have so many questions! Any info I get from this will be greatly appreciated...our daughter's case moved to the adoption unit back in January. There was a mediation but the bios didn't show up (they haven't really showed up for anything nor have there ever been any visits). Next Thursday is the proof hearing...anyone know what this could entail? Basically nothing has happened with her case, no visits (it's been almost 2 years), no cooperation on bios' part, no other family, etc. And then back in May the LG said they're ready to move forward...
Also, we're thinking ahead a couple of years and researching preschool/kindergarten options. I know that when children in foster care are 3 or older (before kindergarten age) they have to be enrolled in daycare. But once our daughter is officially adopted does that still stand (she's 19 months)? We have a preschool we would like for her to attend, but we'd like to wait until she's four.
Any thoughts? What's the timeline like? Could TPR happen at the proof hearing? We're so anxious!:thanks:
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From what I understand on the school end, once they are officially "yours" :), the school rule is no longer valid. I know of a family from NJ who ended up adopting a sibling set of 4 and went to homeschooling them after the adoption . Of course that is not allowed when they are just foster. So I lean toward you are good to go with the schooling option. As for the proof hearing, I am pretty sure that is when they will lay out all the evidence they have as to why TPR is imminent and they will show all the "proof" they have as to why it should happen. The date for TPR should be set that day. We have only fostered up til this point, but getting to know a few of the kids' workers, I pick up on things they say. :) Sounds like this should be an open and close case!
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Thank you so much for the info! We are very excited but so unsure of everything! The LG told me to ask about subsidized adoption. What exactly does that mean? Do foster care rules apply in a subsidized adoption? I assume not, since adoption is still adoption, but I'm just wondering what exactly is meant by a subsidized adoption.
Here's more info on adoption subsidy in NJ:
[url=http://www.nacac.org/adoptionsubsidy/stateprofiles/newjersey.html]NACAC | Adoption Subsidy[/url]
Your FD's law guardian should be able to answer most of your other questions. I think you will eventually need your own attorney to finalize adoption (state reimburses you). May be a good time to start looking for someone with expertise in this field. Congrats, it sounds like you have a good shot at this working out so you can keep her!
We have an 18 month old little guy who is wanted by his former foster mom (got sick, has to show she can care for him), aunt (home previously determined unsuitable but his sister lives with her), grandparents, possibly dad and maybe MIA mom. Looks like a longer road for us.:fish:
Your daughters CW should let you know if you qualify for a subsidized adoption. Even though our son is not considered "special needs" we still qualified for a subsidized adoption b/c his family history was filled with mental health issues on both sides. We receive the money just as we did our board rate checks. The CW will sit down with you before adoption and read you every detail about your daughters history. I thought I knew a lot until that was read to us. The CW will give you a list of lawyers that you can pick from and the only thing that came out of our pocket was for his birth certificates. I know a great lawyer that works in Bergen and Passaic counties so if you're in one of these counties I can send you his name. His office is know for processing everything very quickly and over the phone and by e-mail! Good Luck!
Thanks for the link, BonnieMom...and sorry to hear about the bumps in the road, but it can still happen! Praying the judge is truly interested in what's best for your little one! Can't wait to hear what happens after the proof hearing on Thursday. I didn't know we would need a lawyer, but I guess that'll come up. We live in Burlington County.
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