[SunshineHappy]

Hi,
I wanted to know when i choose long term fostering will i be able to adopt the child?
What about emergency or short term fostering? would i still be able to adopt the child if they were placed with me.

thanks

[Scrapsathome]

We went ahead and went through the process of getting licensed for foster-to-adopt so that we could be available for whatever came our way. In theory, emergency placements are supposed to leave the emergency home within 3 months of placement (at least here, anyway) so unless it was an extreme situation that very quickly moved to adoption, you probably wouldn't end up adopting.

We aren't technically an emergency placement home, but we told them that we'd take "ep's" if they needed us to. So we've had four emergency placements so far. But twice now they said when they placed the kids that if it turned out that they needed a long term home they would consider just letting them stay with us. So, that potentially could have turned into an adoption situation, but didn't. We currently have a 4 yr old FD who was supposed to be a legal risk adoption. She'll be going home next month. You just never know.

If I were you I'd get certified as a long term foster home or legal risk home, but also let them know that you're happy to take emergency placements until you get matched. That way you don't end up with an empty house for a year while waiting for the "right" child.

jess

[Sam-N-Tony]

I just want to make sure that you know that even with long term fostering it does not necessarily mean that you will be able to adopt this child. You may have a child in your home for over a year and they may be adopted by a family member or they might feel that your home is not the right permanent home. A lot of family steps up at the very last minute. You have just a high chance of adopting a emergency placement as you do a long term placement.

If your ultimate goal is adoption, I would suggest possibly straight adoption or long term fostering but you must must must support reunification. It is harder when you've had a child in your home for a long time and then they get r/u but you must support it regardless.

It is very hard to determine whether or not you will be able to adopt this child and there is no fool proof answer. You have to come into it thinking that this child will (not maybe) but will be going home and if it works in your favor even better.

Good luck!