You are such a trooper Joei! Hang in there--it will be approved. (I don't know how DYFS could hold juvenile/young adult conduct against anyone. Most people make some type of mistake they regret around that time! For example, my hideous tattoo...LOL)
While you're waiting, you can (if you haven't already):
-Get info. on area daycare centers and/or area schools and the process to enroll, etc. If you're open to infants-toddlers, it's always a good idea to call the centers that you determine to accept vouchers and inquire about their availability every month. Knowing off-hand in the event of a placement has proved invaluable to me.
-Get a "welcome kit" together for your expected little one. For babies, you need a couple different types of formula (one Nestle's GoodStart milk-based and one soy-based to be safe--Nestle's was recommended to me by an ER doc. as the brand to go with for a sudden transition between milks since we didn't know what my baby was drinking prior to her removal). If you try milk-based and see exema-like rashes, etc., go with soy instead. Also, get the small cans because you'll have to figure out what they like and inevitably waste one); pajamas; pacifiers; and perhaps a couple of different bottles. All of my babies have come with dollar-store bottles and pacifiers so keep those on hand too, just incase!
For young children, you can put together a bag with a stuffed animal, fun blanket, pillow, toothbrush, toothpaste, pajamas, fun towel, night lights, etc....or any items you think of to help a little one feel welcome when they arrive--like you were expecting them to come that very second.
Our daughter was dropped off at 9:00 p.m. on a Friday night...
-continue to educate yourself on attachment issues and read up on how to successfully integrate a new (and likely freshly traumatized) child into your family. Most of my foster children were removed just hours before they arrived.
We preparing to adopt another baby or child--not sure if it will be through DYFS or a private agency--so all of these things are on my mind too.
Happy waiting!
Jennifer
__________________
Apr 2004: Licensed for "fost/adopt"
May 2007: Foster-Angel #2 arrives..it's a girl
Sept 2007: SHSP/Infant-child CPR certified
Oct 2007: Case plan changed to adoption
Dec 2007: Case plan approved!
June 2008: Guardianship granted!
Oct 2008: Adoption finalized! We're officially a family!
Aug 2009: Updated homestudy in hopes of adopting again
Oct 2009: Matched! We're in the visitation stage prior to placement
Very hopeful that things will go smoothly