This message was originally posted by
jodyk2.
Heather,
In the end, it was about 10 months from when I started the process until I was licensed, and another nearly 5 months until I got a child who "fit".
I don't think there's anything wrong with preferring a girl over a boy. My agency asked preferences about sex, race and age as well as disabilities. And, they helped me with the few things I was unsure of. (Example: they recommended I take only permanent court wards -- which is what my fs was supposed to be, but it hasn't turned out that way.)
I think different agencies -- & probably different countries -- have different safety requirements. I live in an apartment, and the only thing I needed that I didn't have already was a carbon monoxide detector. There were no regualtions about putting locks on doors or cabinets or anything of the sort like other people have mentioned. (Good thing, too; since it's a rental property, the apt. management would probably have considered it defacing the property & then I'd be charged for it when I move out.)
As for your past, I don't know whether or not they'll ask. If they do, it's best to be honest; if you're not & they find out about it, that may cause problems.
Good luck to you!
--jody