[mallory4]

The best advice I got when we were at the beginning of this process was to not give up--be patient, but be persistent, too. There are obstacles and roadblocks, but you just have to keep on truckin' and work toward your goal.
For specific ideas about working with DHS or private agencies in your area, it can be helpful to check out the board for your state, or put where you live in the title of your posts. The process of getting licensed and approved to adopt is different in different places, so it sometimes matters.

Good luck!