[kmac1196]

I am really anxious to get started and read so many people here have different time lines from start to finish. We are in MA (plymouth area) and are looking to foster (straight althought probably wouldn't turn down adoption if it worked out). How long does it take? The SW I talked to seems too busy to take my calls or return them. I called the 800 number the first time and they said that they would get the application right out. I waited 3 weeks and called them back. They had to email my SW to get it out and then told me to call her to follow up. When I called her it was like I was wasting her time and she said, yes, I'll get it out to you. I got it 4 days later, had questions, called and left 2 messages about my questions and got no responses. So I filled it out with what I thought they wanted and sent it back. I called 4 days later to make sure it arrived and if I needed to add anything that wasn't done right (left a message). 1 week later and no call still. I called the direct line and asked the secretary who answered if it was rec'd and when the MAPP training started (husband works 2 jobs and needs to make arrangements well in advance if he takes a night off) and the woman told me that only the sw could answer it and was rather quick with me and switched me over to the sw. So...left another message this morning. Then I called the 800 number and they told me to call the supervisor and that she would be able to answer my questions and gave me her direct line. Okay...here comes a question......should I call the supervisor and ask? I don't want to get this lady in trouble and I don't want to get on her bad side. After all, I'm trying to help children and in essence help her with her job. I know they're busy. Their concern is the babies. I know. But am I wrong for being anxious and wanting to move along? Thanks in advance for help.

Kristen

[athikers]

Welcome to the roller coaster ride... I can't quite sort through all of what you said to determine how long you've waited... but generally speaking, give him/her at least a day or two to return phone calls. If its an emergency - then they should get right back to you, but otherwise, sometimes it just takes awhile.

[kmac1196]

Thanks. Actually it's been nearly 3 weeks and she hasn't returned ANY of my phone calls!!! I did call the supervisor and she didn't give me much information either. Just that there would be a class sometime in May. No idea about anything else. It seems like I'm a bother to them.

Kristen

[Synesthesia]

Wow.
I'm in the Plymouth area of MA myself.
It is discouraging that they operate that way.
I hope you have some luck soon...

[kmac1196]

Thanks, Kate. I'm hoping it gets better. They haven't told me anything about what is next or what I need or a timeline or anything. You would think that they wanted foster parents. We certainly aren't doing it for the money.

Kristen

[slj1969]

Hi Kristen - Just wanted to respond to your post. I am also in Ma (Shrewsbury) and haven't had a lot of luck getting in touch with an actual person. I did speak to someone (after leaving 2 messages and an email!) and they just sent me out a packet with the application. I guess I am to fill it out then wait for a call.. What is your status now?
Best of luck,
Sherry

[kmac1196]

HI Sherry. Actually, after I posted that, I got contacted and stuff started to happen. We had to submit some extra paperwork and we took MAPP classes in June. Once we got to know how the system works, I'm more understanding at why no one calls you back. Their just isn't anyone to do all these jobs. Anyway, the woman who will be doing our homestudy is on vacation until mid July (we will be , too) and then she'll come and do 2 visits. Then she writes here report with her recommendations and then we'll be licensed. Probably by the end of summer. Then we wait. We're only taking infants so it could be a while. We've been so busy that the initial rush is not there(thankfully). I'm okay with waiting for however long it takes. Good luck to you !!

Kristen

[slj1969]

Hi Kristen! That's great that the ball started rolling for you! How long did it take after your paperwork was completed? I am already anxious and I just mailed mine yesterday.. This is going to be a very long process for me! Anyway, have a great vaca and good luck to you!
Sherry

[kmac1196]

Hi Sherry. Sorry it took so long to write back. I was camping for so long in July. So happy to be home. We had our first homestudy (with just me) and the second one (with my husband) will be tomorrow. She's checking references as we speak and then she'll write up her report and, if there are no problems, we'll be licensed. I'm assuming by the end of August. I'm actually much less anxious. And not at all nervous. I've been too busy. It will happen when it's supposed to happen. Keep me posted on your journey.

Kristen

[slj1969]

Hey Kristen! Hope your vaca was fun! Did you camp somewhere in Ma? So far my journey has not progressed very much! They checked my CORI and it was fine, now I am waiting for the next round of MAPP classes which is scheduled for Sept - ugh. I am also waiting for a call to set up a home visit. The woman I was dealing with was on vaca for most of July so I am hoping the pace will pick up now that she's back!
That seems to be the key, to keep busy and the time will fly! Anyway, good luck with the next home study, hopefully everything continues to move along for you!!
Sherry

[kmac1196]

Which office are you dealing with. My sw was on vacation for most of July, too. Yes, we camp at Myles Standish (for a few days) and the Outdoor World for 2 weeks. The Mapp classes were okay. Some of it was informative. I'll keep you posted.

Kristen

[slj1969]

I am dealing with the Worcester East department and am waiting for a call back about a home visit.. I was just looking at the DSS website w/the MAPP class listings and there is one starting on 8/20 so I emailed her once again to see if I could attend that one. She had mentioned one in Sept.. I'm trying not to be too anxious, luckily school is starting in a few weeks so my daughters and I should be preoccupied with that!
Anyway, definitely keep me posted on your progress!