[MomInAL]

Hello everyone. I am new here and I just wanted to post our story. DH and I just found out last week that a boy (age 9) who we know that used to come to our church has been "given up" by his grandparents (who had custody) and is in a therapeutic foster home (for ADHD).

We have contacted DHS and they are beginning the process of TPR and told us he will be available for adoption. We have 2 teenage daughters and have talked about fostering or adopting for a while. This boy was the one to push us into action. We have started all our paperwork, fingerprinting, etc. and are scheduled to start GPS classes next month.

Our SW said that it may be possible to get a "provisional" license before all of our requirements are completed and that they may then be able to place him with us. We have been listed as an adoptive resource for this boy.

I am wondering if anyone else out there has been in this type of situation where you are going through the process for a specific child that you know about in the system? Also, has anyone had any experience with provisional licensing?

Any wisdom or advice you can share would be appreciated!

MomInAL

[Howdy]

When I first became a fost-adopt parent I had a provisional license because the current foster home of the child I was matched with wanted her moved as soon as possible. I had three months to complete the undone steps to get the regular license. The social worker sent me the regular license without checking that I'd done the remaining steps and one of them (making a drawing of the fire exits) I didn't do until I got re-licensed the next year. I didn't get in any trouble, but that time the social worker sat there waiting while I drew it!

[Kate1129]

Sounds like the process is moving along well and it should be pretty good!

Just be sure and understand that it can take a while for the process to be complete. Anything that looks "cut and dry" never is! It could drag out!

I am so glad to hear that you are doing this for this child! He needs someone to just love on him!!!! It's going to be hard for him knowing that he's being "given up". That's probably going to hurt.