[Crystal-Joy]

Hello everyone,

My name is Crystal-Joy and husband and I wanting to start the process to becoming foster parents (and adopting a child through foster care). I am starting to feel overwhelmed by all of the information I have researched about the process. I have so many questions!

First of all a little background. My DH and I have been married for almost three years. My DH has is serving in the Army (has been for about 10 years) and we will be moving to Oklahoma at the end of the year. We have struggled with infertility since we got married and realized that maybe it was a sign that our time to adopt is now. We decided long ago that we were going to adopt at some point in our marriage.

Anyway, I have many worries about the home study. I know I am not alone in worrying about that part.

Mainly, its the financial issue that concerns me. I have read that the foster system says that you don't have to be rich to adopt, just able to manage your finances. Before my husband and I met, I made some very bad financial decisions which has left me with debts that I haven't paid off yet. Together my husband and I have a couple of loans and car payments but other than that we don't have any debt. I am unemployed at the moment and my husband makes enough for us to pay bills and have plenty of extra money (he is also looking at a promotion very soon). With our military benefits, we have NO problems with having a roof over our head, food in our tummies, and health care.

Will my financial history hinder our ability to adopt even though it was a long time ago?

Is there a set amount of "extra" money that you have to have in the bank before you are considered financially able to care for a child?

Also, since we ARE military, will that hurt our chances?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Nice to meet you all!

[carlychan]

Being military will not "hurt" you. However, if you are moving in a year I would suggest waiting until you get to your new home to start. Sometimes the homestudy will not transfer and you have to start all over. One year is not long enough to get licensed and adopt. We started 2 1/2 years ago and we are just adopting our kids (and their case was relatively easy). It takes LOTS of time. Even if you get approved quickly (6 months would be quick) you have to get a placement and they have to be in your home AT LEAST 6 months before adoption. That is assuming they are already adoptable (parental rights terminated) before they move in. I don't think I would do anything just yet since you know you will be moving. Work on paying off some debt and start later. BTW, I don't think the debt itself will hurt you as long as you can make the payments. Good luck!

[dazzlingdeb]

In my area, you have to have $200 surplus after all bills are paid.

[dachshunds4you]

They don't check your credit, or at least I've never heard of them doing it, and we've been certified in two states. So if you have bad debt, or a low credit score, they won't even know about it.

We've always had to fill out what we pay or estimate what we pay for house payment, groceries, gas, other utilities, and list how much you make.

[Crystal-Joy]

Thanks everyone!

We aren't going to start anything until we get to Oklahoma, and will be there for at least 3 years. So that should be alright. And I am glad to hear that they don't do credit checks, that's a relief! =D

Thanks again!