[dad_again_4ever]

Can anyone explain to me, a lay person, how the "waiting children" adoption system works?

I am confused, as I have an approved/completed/up-to-date home study. However, after faxing numerous homestudies, we're still waiting.

Do we need a social worker? My wife and I started off wishing to adopt a newborn but, after realizing so many children need loving homes, opted to adopt a child or small sibling group.

Has anyone had any experience with interstate adoptions? My wife and I have applied for children in various states other than our own. One state refuses to talk to anyone but our "social worker", which we don't have.

Do we need to pay for another home study?

Also...I am hearing too many horror stories on this site about foster-adopt. It would break our hearts to return a child to an abusive situation. What are your thoughts?

Also...Do you think states really want to find permanent homes for foster children? I often wonder...

Any input would be welcome. Thanks a bunch.