[sylviajess]

Hi everyone,

We have our interview with dpss on Tuesday and I am very nervous and excited. On the appt reminder it indicates that there were be two interviewers.

1. Does this mean we will interviewed seperatly?

2. What are they going to ask?

3. ANything I should do to prepare for interview?

4. How long after interview does the next step occur?

5. What is the next step?

Thanks for your help...

Sylvia

[DannieAS]

Originally Posted by sylviajess

Hi everyone,

We have our interview with dpss on Tuesday and I am very nervous and excited. On the appt reminder it indicates that there were be two interviewers.

1. Does this mean we will interviewed seperatly?

2. What are they going to ask?

3. ANything I should do to prepare for interview?

4. How long after interview does the next step occur?

5. What is the next step?

Thanks for your help...

Sylvia

1. Remind me...you're going through what county? I had two interviewers and they were there in the room at the same time with me. These were the two that did my classes. I think if you are married they do the initial interview with both of you....I am single so it's just me.

2. They will ask basic questions, what do you do, they go over the information you sent in in your application, reaffirm what you are looking for in a child(ren), ask some questions regarding infertility (they have to ask, even if you're like me and don't know of any problems in that area) if you've had any counseling in the past, what for, just basic stuff that you already answered. They may ask a little more probing questions on some...not too in depth. They may ask about your marital status/issues if any....again, I forget if you're married or single like me so that would be different for you

3. They want you to be yourself. Oh yeah they give you other paperwork to start filling out ha ha ha! They remind you not to LIE and you sign a "do not lie" statement. (my interpretation)

4. Depending on when the next cycle of classes begins, that's your next step

5. Classes.


***disclaimer, I am answering these questions as if you were going through the county and NOT an agency***

[mamachell]

(From your post I am trying to figure out is this before, during or after your classes?)

I know we initially were interviewed together, in our home, and then separately in their offices.

I would answer as truthfully as possible but wouldn't elaborate on any "gory" details. If you, or spouse, used to be the best "quarters" player (drinking game) in college, I'd probably leave that out!

I think they just want to make sure that you are going to provide a safe, loving home for any children they place with you.

You may also want to make sure you're on the same page with your spouse (ie. discipline policies, educational goals for a child, etc.) Or, if there is something that's a potenial concern (ie. past abuse in your own lives, miscarriages, infertility, trouble in high school, etc.) in your history, I would make sure you can explain it and how you have grown from it and moved on. No one expects us to be perfect, they just want to see how your past experiences have effected you and how they will effect your ability to parent. It also helps them to make decisions about what type of child to place with you. For example, if a foster parent had SA in their past they may not be the best match for a foster child going through the same thing. Or, their experiences may make them perfect to help that child; it all depends on where that foster parent is. This is the type of information that is helpful for the foster agency.

Oh, make sure they know what you are looking for (adoption, fostering) and your age range.

good luck,
mamachell