[JG1210]

We are adopting through the state and we did not have to foster. In our state, there are many children waiting to be adopted. As long as you have an approved homestudy, there is absolutely no reason why you cannot adopt through the state system without fostering.

When we took the required classes to adopt through the state, we also were told that the best way was through fostering. Then we found out that while this may have been true, it was not the only way, and we were not looking to foster.

Unfortunately the State is so much in need of good foster homes, that some workers tend to not tell the whole story. They encourage you to foster in hopes that you will choose it rather than straight adoption. Once we pressed them they told us that yes - you can adopt without fostering but they recommended fostering to adopt. Don't get me wrong - fostering is a wonderful thing for the right people. However, the goal is reunification of the family, and not everyone can do that. You have to be prepared to give your child back, no matter how attached you have become. I have a great respect for foster parents, but don't do it unless you really feel it is right for you.

If I am not mistaken, every state has an adoption registry. Anyone with an approved homestudy is able to be considered for adopting these children. Check out adopt.org for more info.

We found our children in our state's photolisting in august of this year. We are bringing them home in two days. However, by August we already had a homestudy which can take a little while to complete, at least a couple of months. IT CAN BE DONE. DON'T GIVE UP. Contact your State's Children and families department.

I don't know about the military base issue, but I believe the important issue is not where you live, but that it is a stable environment. The State needs to know that you will be there for a while, because they need to do post adoption visits for at least 3 months before you can legally adopt in the courts.

If you adopt from the State, money should not be an issue. It is rather affordable, depending on the state. It should not cost 30K!


You can private message me for more info.

Hope this helps,

JG