Straight Adoption from State
I have so many questions. Where to start? My hubby and I are considering adopting a child in the foster care system in Arizona (probably from the photolisting).
We are doing a lot of research and heart searching now. We can't have children and have a lot of animals. Due to the animals, we are mostly consider early to mid-teens (10-15 or thereabouts). But would like to start off with an "easy" placement. (Of course, we're not expecting a "Stepford" Child.. just hoping for a fairly average teen. Is that unrealistic?
About the homestudy process, I am a little nervous. Do they interview grandparents who do not live in the home? I was abused when I was younger. Would that count against us?
A few years ago my Mom's mind seems to have rewritten the past in a way that is more in tune with her values. My brother and I just don't talk to her about the past. She had a really bad upbringing. I'm worried that any discrepancies will cause the social worker concern.
My hubby is in his mid-forties, and I am in my mid-thirties. Is his being over 40 likely to cause us problems? Or is our adopting a teen going to make that less of an issue? Or, are we too young to adopt a teen?
How much info do you get about a child before you decide whether to commit or not? Do you get to meet? How much choice does the child have? Do you submit pictures of yourself, your home, etc?
How is the transition handled for the child? I imagine it is difficult for them, even if they desire adoption, to make such a big change. What kind of support do they get? How are they prepared for it?
Enough for now, I imagine. Thanks very much!
Jen
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