[daveandmina]

Hi!
My husband and I are just beginning the foster/adopt rollercoaster. Although we have our first orientation on Tuesday I am continuing to research which agency we would like to use. But here are my questions:

*Which is better, DCFS or organizations such as OC4Kids? I believe OC4Kids is an affiliate of DCFS but different. Is this correct?

*Would it be wiser to find an agency in Los Angeles county where there may be more children available? Am I restricted to just one county or is our application distributed amongst other counties?

*What is the average wait in So. CA? Do adoptable 0-2's come along often?

I'm sure I will think of more Q's later. But this is a start. Any help you can offer would be great!
Mina

[straightblues]

The agencies are licensed by the State and County to be an extision of the DCFS. They have to follow all of the same rules. The State has found that private companies can handle more children for the same amount of money so it is economical for the state to utilize agencies. The social workers also like it becuase the agency does a lot of their work for them. This is a win win situtation for everyone.

I think going with an agency is better. They will help you deal with the DCFS. The DCFS is busy and doesn't have time to hold your hand. An agency does. They can facilitate parent visits and offer counsiling and other services to the children. I also believe (but am not 100% sure) that you get additional monies each month to care for the children if you use an agency. Talk to the DSCF and they can give you a list of agencies.

I am not sure about whether Orange or LA county would be better/quicker. But, if you go with an agency with offices in both counties like I did, you can find out about children from several counties. Social workers like to go with agencies so agencies usually get the first call.