[Archive]

Originally Posted By Kathleen

Hi. My husband and I are looking into adopting from DES in AZ. Anyone out there have experience with this OR can recommend and agency-private or public? We are open to using either but want to know the differences. Thanks!

[Udon]

call AASK 602-254-2275

[shanzelka]

AASK charges for their services. There are several other agencies in the Valley who don't. We are with Arise and haven't been charged anything. We've been offered two babies (4 months and 10 months, biracial, drug-affected at birth) already, who are headed for severance. We're holding out for a girl (older, ages 3-7)!

[craftpam]

Shanzelka,

I was wondering if I could ask you a couple questions. My husband and I are hoping to adopt through the state, we'll be working with Arizona Action for Foster Children, I think.

How long did it take to complete your classes and homestudy? Also how long before you were offered a referral? Did you register as fost/adopt or foster. I desperately want an infant but don't want to do straight foster care because of the risks, I know with fost/adopt there is still some chance of not being able to keep the child, but we're willing to take that chance. I'm hoping that we'll be able to adopt a child 3 or preferrably even younger. What did your angency think the chances of this were?

Sorry for all the questions,

Pam

[shanzelka]

We said that, too, that we just wanted to adopt. We started the process in March, were licensed the end of September, and were told we were licensed on Oct 3 in a phone call, that included asking us if we wanted twin 2 year old boys. They hinted that it was more than just fostering. After we took them (Friday afternoon), we found out they had two siblings (we took the older sib in) and then we found out that no, they were definitely going back to the parents and it was short term. Then we found out no, it was long term. We've had the three over two months and have asked repeatedly that they be moved to a long-term foster home so that our home will be available for adoptable kids. We also took time off (in the beginning when we thought we could keep them), and it really takes a week anyway for CPS to get the shot records and get permission for the daycare you pick. The little ones have been sick a lot and we've had to take a lot of time off, and the older one has some psych appointments that will require more time off. By the time we get the kids we can keep, we'll have to probably take time off without pay. Sorry, I'm a little cranky with the process, and I also have the flu. I wish you the best of luck, but my piece of advice? Ask a lot of questions before you say yes to any kids. Susan