[JJemail1]

Hi Misstonicee,

Congratulations on your latest ruling--that's a step in the right direction! The TPR hearing should be scheduled within 3 months. If TPR is granted, you may file for adoption 45 days after TPR and/or as soon as DYFS completes your adoption package (which they tend to do slowly so keep on top of them)! If parents appeal, you'll of course have to wait for that decision before filing for adoption. For now, keep attending ALL HEARINGS and keep issuing a statment--even if it's only an update. The more the judge(s) sees you, the better.

During the interim, since the case is being moved to the adoption unit, here's a heads up on the contents of the adoption package, some of which you can start working on now (ask your new caseworker for forms):

We're hoping for TPR soon too.

Here's what's required on your part before adoption (DYFS should provide you with the forms):

1. Pre-adopt Medical (blood test for sickle cell (for AA children), lead for all children under 5, TB for all children 9 months and older).

2. Dental check-up by dentist for children over 3 years of age. Dental check-up by doctor for children under 3 years of age.

3. Psychological evaluation or signed waiver by adoptive parents (which basically states that you see no problems with your child's psychological health and will assume full responsibility should something change after adoption).

4. School report (filled out by teach for school-age children/by daycare for infants, toddlers, pre-k).

5. Current adoption homestudy/foster home certification (The study conducted for your foster license will likely suffice. The worker may come into your home to do an interview with you--a sort of update to an outdated study.)

6. Letter of intent to adopt. You can write anything from a few lines to a few pages about your desire to adopt your foster child. The letter can be addressed "To Whom it May Concern" or directly to your caseworker.

7. Fingerprinting--doesn't matter if you just did it, you have to do it again (DYFS will pay/set up appt. for you)

Here's what DYFS has to do prior to adoption:

1. Obtain birth certificate
2. Obtain Guardianship order or legal clearance (TPR)
3. Write up and/provide 20-page medical report on child to foster parents (when possible)
4. Write up/provide indivual family assessment (when possible)
5. Adoption summary (I don't know what this is)
6. IV-E determination (I don't know what this is)
7. Subsidy forms and SAR for any increased board rates and approved subsidy waiver if applicable
8. Court report (that's that homestudy-like sit-down I referenced above)
9. CHRI/Promis Gavel & CARI background checks (fingerprinting results)
10. Adoption assessment
11. MVR (Minimal Visitation Requirement--your monthly visit from the caseworker)

I always recommend printing this list out and reviewing it with your adoption caseworker to get your ducks in a row and formulate a plan to complete everything.

Best wishes to you!
Jennifer