[Archive]

Originally Posted By Cheryl, MS

I a married white female that could not have children "of my own". My husband and I have adopted three children. All three special needs. One from a private agency the other two from DHS. I highly recommend DHS (state agency) for the adoption of children. There are so many children out there that need need forever families. I think fostering would provide the experience you need to determine whether you truly want to be a parent. I recommend boys school aged. Though you will have a placement faster if you are willing to parent a teenager. These children are overlooked. To me giving a home/forever family to a teenager is one of the most unselfish things that can be done. Our last adoption was a 17 1/2 year old girl. She will turn 19 next month. So far we have no regrets. I highly recommend this for you. Be prepared for the parenting classes and background checks and once the homestudy (all this could take 6 months) is complete be prepared to "hurry up and wait"! Once this process for approval is over you will be anxious for a placement and feel that it will never happen and that the workers forgot about you. If you make it this far, it will happen. Good luck.