[anxiousmomma]

Hi everyone new to the site as well as foster/adoption. Was just wandering about how hard I can expect it to be to adopt from Florida. My family lives in Alabama and I found a little girl from Florida I am interested in. Sent a requisition via internet yesterday as well as emailed my social worker. My hopes are high, Can anyone tell me what to expect or not to expect? Thanks.

[pezcmw03]

I was told that it takes 1 to 2 years to adopt out of state. I was told this by a caseworker in Ohio. I am in PA. I am not sure how accurate this is or if it depends on the states involved. I wish you the best of luck though!

[momto3]

I say go for it. If this is your child, God will open the doors. If not, He will close them. We are in WI and in the process of bringing our kiddos (from FL) home. We were contacted about them the week of Thanksgiving '09, met them over the weekend of Dec. 11th, said yes on Dec. 11th, and are now waiting on ICPC to go through. The ICPC paperwork finally got sent out about a week and a half ago. Our worker said she'll have a better idea on a time frame once she sees the paperwork, but said to expect up to 6 months before our kids would come home. I'm taking that time frame to start from when we met them.

Interstate adoptions can be harder, but to be matched with your kids is worth moving mountains! The "rumors" that I've heard involving interstate adoptions have been from a couple months up to 10 months. I hope it's not 1-2 years; I don't want to wait that long. From other AP expert advice, the process moves much smoother if you stay in constant contact with your workers and the package. The delays seem to come from the package sitting on desks somewhere, from what I've heard.

Some states start the ICPC package after you meet the children and accept, some start it once your identified as a family and you don't meet the kids until the paperwork is done. I think either way would be hard; each has it's own good and bad. Foster care adoption seems to be hurry up and wait, wait, wait...

Please feel free to ask any questions you have!