[sfbaymom2000]

fsmile,

Someone else may have better answers for you, but here's a little about our county - Contra Costa. I was told at orientation that you could submit your application right away, or wait until after PRIDE classes (3 Saturdays). There was a woman in our PRIDE class who had already had her homestudy and was already having visits with a 2 year old. This surprised me very much, that they would place a child before the foster/adoptive parents had finished their classes. I am sure it is rare, but it appears to be possible. I have been told by our SW that they can do the homestudy process very quickly if a match is made.

Anyway, I would call the county and explain the situation, and see how fast they can get you processed. Although, I suppose you may need to be careful about confidentiality issues. Another person in your situation brought that up on this board, because the child's current foster mom really should not have told her what the child's situation and legal status were.

Also, to really keep things moving, you might want to schedule your physical. With many doctors, you have to wait a month or two to get in for a routine physical. You could also schedule your CPR/First Aid class. And of course, line up your personal references for the application - we needed three. My impression is that they won't move any further on your homestudy until they get your reference forms back. I am sure you'll get more advice from others.

Good luck to you!
Lynn