[Sam-N-Tony]

Lumpkin - I think its wrong of you to think you wasted your time. After all you are adopting a child that was a foster child at once. I'm sorry if I come off harsh but I think you should know every aspect of fostering and the foster child. You should know all the aspects of their special needs, their emotional and behavioral issues that usually come with a foster child.

I don't think there should be a special class for adoptive parents, because after all he/she was a foster child. I am personally offended (which does not happen often) because I did want to adopt and did decide to ultimately foster to adopt, which is one of the best things I have ever done. I have been able to provide a loving home to 5 children that regardless of whether they go home or not, they are still MY kids. It think had you went into the class with an open mind you would find out how much really does apply to you.

The child you are adopting is a product of the foster care system and a lot they teach in those classes apply to all foster kids.

Had I not fostered first, I don't know how I would be able to handle the issues that come with the adoptive foster kids. IMO, I think everyone that wants to adopt a child from the state should foster first. You don't know how much your getting yourself into until you do it. I commend all the homes that do adopt straight from foster care without really experiencing the foster child but there have been many failed adoptions because they are trully not prepared for the foster child. I think you don't really get to know a child in the 3 months they give you before adoption is granted. It takes years to learn the ways of a child. I'm sure you didn't fall in love and ready to marry each of your boy/girl friends within 3 months of meeting them. If you go into the adoption with a blind eye, you will find it very difficult to love and accept this child.

I am glad I took the route that I did. Hopefully, my first adoption will be a child that has been in my home and we have been through the ups and downs of the systems together.

I wish you and your family the best of luck.