......I always advise never to go into fostering with the intent to adopt. Even foster-to-adopt situations place birth families over anyone else...and it should be that way. It is the goal in fostercare that the child will return to birth family if possible....that is suppose to be the aim of the foster family, as well. Please read JoAnn's post in the forum...'adopting foster children'. They are heart broken...and who wouldn't be? It's only natural to fall in love with the children we bring into our homes and care for. But the bottom line is...if it can happen, the children will return to a birth family or extended family member. And if that's not possible, only then will the foster family be given the opportunity to adopt the child IF the child has been in the foster home for a particular # of months, typically 18 mos. though it varies from state to state. Be ready for alot of heart breaks AND many, many rewards. Fostering has given my family and me far more than we could ever give the kids we've been so blessed to care for. Keep your heart strong, your doors open, and savor the rewards. P.S. After 6 years and many beautiful children, we are adopting our 3 yo little angel.......it CAN happen...maybe not
in our time frame though. God Bless you in your journey.
