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Dear Farmer Family, Since my last posting, I have completed my 27 hours of PRIDE training. My husband will be done by mid April. We have filled in the medical forms, gotten fingerprints, etc. We are going through Lutheran Social Services and have only had to pay 250$ application fee. Even though we are looking to adopt a child under 3 (still considered infant in some places), we are NOT paying for our home study. I would DEFINITELY interview the different licensing agencies that have contracts with the DCFS. Ask them about their record of placing children for adoption, ask them about the population they serve (older kids? respite? medically sensitive?). I have been told more than once not to go directly through DCFS, but use and agency.... unless you are geographically too far removed from other options. Initially we will be limited to in-state kids, but we are allowed to chose the placement based on chance that this child will be available for adoption or not ( 50%, 75%, 100%). If we are in the system without a match for a long time, we can take our homestudy to another state, but we might have to reemburse the state of Illinois for the study or add some other state's requirements onto our training. We are hopefull for a match, because we are open to any race. DO NOT feel pressured into traditional foster care placement if that is not where your heart is. BE HONEST about your intentions to adopt. It is best for you and the children. God bless you. Keep on the path!! The training is long, but just go one step at a time and it seems to get done. -LauraWynne biomom of b-7 1/2 and b- 4.
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