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Hi Kayb,
I'm in CA too! I threw myself, with the help of a friend, a baby shower talks weeks after I was certified. My classes finished in September and I was certified by Halloween.
I stored all my baby goods in the house because I knew I would get a placement by Christmas time. I didn't buy any clothes because I wasn't sure of the age and sex of the child. I was requesting AYAP either sex, though I was secretly hoping for a girl, and I was open to any race.
I was told at my last foster parenting clas that the wait for an adoptable infant girl was 9 - 18 months, but if I was open to a minority boy I could get placed instantly.
Thanksgiving, I was doing respite for a 3-month-old, I could possibly adopt. I was so glad my friend had bought me a portable crib for my shower. The baby slept in it like an angel. Ulitmately this baby was adopted by another family whose file had been "lost" by the CW. They had been waiting 2 years to adopt.
December 30, I got the call for a 5-day-old boy. The call came as I was taking down the Christmas decorations and moving all of my baby gifts to the garage, while in my pjs. The SW told me they would be there in 2 hours. My SW was there in 2 hours. My son and the CW didn't make it until 45 minutes later.
My son came with a few sleepers, t-shirts, diapers, bottles, and 2 bottles of ready to use formula. While I was signing paperwork, my mom and my aunt put together his stroller and crib. Then after the SW and CW left, we oohed and awwed over the baby then my mom and aunt left to get more diapers and formula. We had enough supplies to get through the first week.
The second week, I finally discovered why my friends were in love with Target. With the baby and Oma in tow, I bought everything I thought we would need and stuff we never used. I had tons of fun buying him cute little outfits.
As for people flying through classes, I think it all depends on the people themselves and how motivated they are. Every week I was turning in paperwork. One Saturday, we didn't have class so I went to a CPR/First Aid/Water Safety class.
I was actually shocked to learn that others in my class weren't on the same fast train like I was. Some were taking their time due to their jobs, others still weren't sure this would be right for them, etc...
Getting a placement varies with the age and sex of the child you're requesting, how quickly your SW is working, etc...A lot rests in the hands of the SW. I had one who took me under her wings for which I am forever blessed. A friend, I met in the classes, was looking to fost/adopt a 11 - 13-year-old boy, and it took her over 6 months to get a placement. 6 months for an adoptable pre-teen/teen boy?!?! Her SW was horrible.
Welcome to the rollercoaster ride known as foster care!
Have fun and enjoy the ride,
Yash
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