[MichelleSchultz]

Hi,

I'm new to this board and am only just now getting serious about foster-adoption. I plan to attend orientation in July.
I have soooo many questions right now. We currently have 4 bio children already, and we do not plan on having any more bio's. What I'd most like to do is adopt sibling group so we can keep them together...and because I just love kids and big familes.

Q#1 Is there such thing as "too many" children when you adopt? Would you consider this irresponsible considering we have what many would call a large family already? I wonder this because we are NOT a rich family by no means. Our bills are paid on time, we're buying our home and we have plenty to eat, but things like braces, or camp are very difficult, if not impossible right now (one child is going to camp this summer, but he had to earn the money/save birthday money and they gave us a scholorship). I stay at home with my children, and feel this is more important than those other things right now. Our kids, bio or adopted will never have parents who can "give them everything". That being said, my bio's are fine with that and I imagine that if I were in foster care, I'd want to be with my siblings and adopted by someone who loves me more than being adopted by a family with money. Has anyone in a similar situation adopted several more children? How did your adopted children feel? How did your bio children feel? Has this been a good decision for your family? Why or Why not?

Q#2 The adoption worker I spoke with the other day said they allow up to 3 children in one bedroom...is that too many in one bedroom in your opinion? We have a 4 bedroom home and 2 children share a room, 2 are in a room by themself.

Q#3 If we adopt a sibling group (I'm thinking 3 to 4 children if this seems to be healthy for all children involved bio's and adopted) how do you get everyone to feel bonded? My bio's ages are 13, 10, 7, almost 6. They are all completely for adoption...but of course, none of us know what this would be like now. How difficult is it to have 2 seperate sibling groups bond to become 1 set of siblings? Are there any books of this topic? Anyone out there with experience and advice?

Q#4 Okay, weird question....how do you get around? as a family when you have a really large family. My mini-van holds 7 people...we're a family of 6. Passenger vans seem difficult to drive and dangerous according to some of the reports I was reading since I've been trying to research this topic.


Q#5 Are there any forums specifically for sibling adoption or large family adoptions out there on the web? I found some at one time, but my other computer has crashed and I can't find them now.


I just want to do what's best for everyone involved.

Blessings,
Michelle