[DianeS]

It is absolutely true that the child will still be supervised by the state for at least 6 months (often much longer) before the adoption can be completed. The state wants to make sure this is the right placement for the child before allowing it to become permanent. Plus, if the rights of the child's parents have not yet been terminated, the child will still be a foster child and in the care of the state until that happens, and many things can delay that.

And spanking or otherwise physically disciplining a foster child is completely forbidden. No spanking. No slapping the hand. Nothing. No matter what. No exceptions.

There are a LOT of restrictions about discipline. In most states, foster children can not even be sent to sit in the corner. In most states, foster children can not have food used for discipline (no "you must eat one bite before you get down" or no "you must eat veggies to get dessert). Those are just two examples.

Discipline is a VERY big deal to the state. You will definately want to ask very specific questions before proceeding.