[cj416]

My husband and I are in the loooooong waiting phase of adoption through the system. So, I was wondering if anyone out there would tell me how long it took before they finally got a child.Our paper work, homestudy and classes are long done. We have been waiting 5 months and have not even had one child presentedd to us. I was told our state, has mostly sibling groups and boys to place. We are wanting a girl 0-6, race not an issue. I just want a light at the end of the tunnel. To know that other people have actually has good placements would ease my mind, a little.

[Foster2AdoptMom]

Are you looking to strictly adopt or foster/adopt? I know that here in Ohio it is difficult to find a child that is open for adoption that is a single female ages 0-6. There is a much greater need for sibling groups and children with a greater degree of special needs. Also, for some reason boys are more readily available than girls. If you are willing to foster/adopt, there should be more children available, however there is no guarrantee that the particular child in which you foster will become available for adoption.

I hope this helps!

Karen

[JuliannaTeresa]

Ditto, with you are looking for a very popular age and sex combination. It is what everyone wants!

I had to look out of state to find Daughter.

[mom21]

I love the chance to share my positive experience with foster care! My dh and I became licensed in August, 2001. We turned down several placements that were not quite in our desired range. In April, 2002 we had a 4-month old baby boy as a short term placement. When he was returned to his mom in May, 2002 our hearts (and our home) had quite a void.

In July, 2002 we accepted a placement of a newborn baby girl. She was absolutely perfect! Her adoption was final 7 months later. She is the absolute light of our lives.

I know not every experience with foster care can be positive, but sometimes the negative experiences can really weigh you down. Focus on the positives and when it's time, it WILL happen.

Good luck!

[Foster2AdoptMom]

That's great news!!! You are absolutely right. There are so oftentimes many many horror stories associated with fostering or the foster/adopt program. While I don't intend to minimize those issues, there are also very wonderful things that happen as well. Our family is very blessed with four now adopted (three of which are a sibling group) and we have a fifth baby to the sibling group placed with us as a foster child right now. We have definately had our ups and downs with the system, but I could never be more proud of the family that we have!

The key is to know your limits and what you want, and then be patient until you get it. It is not impossible or even improbable, but it may take a bit longer. By no means do I mean to give it up or expand your range. Only you know what is right for your family!!!

Best!
Karen

[LynMaria]

We had taken in two beautiful foster infants...both girls...and several elementary aged children before we were blessed with our now 3yo little girl. We fostered her since she was 6 weeks old and now we are in the process of adopting her. When the others left us...I cried and cried and thought I would never overcome the departures. I love them all. Little did I know though, God had a plan for us. She is the light of our lives. And just recently we were matched with a 3yo little boy in NYC..we are in Arkansas. I hope to bring him home very soon. My advice...if your heart can stand it...that is the possibility of the child leaving you, open your home to foster children, as well. In most states, if the child remains in your care for 18 months, then you have the first rights to adoption if that is what you choose. Babies for adoption are diificult to find because foster families don't let them go if they become available for adoption. I have several friends who never intended to adopt ...that is until their foster child became available! I am not at all suggesting you go into foster care to adopt....in fostercare, it is the goal to assist in the child returning home...to nurture the birth family's relationship to that child. In many cases, it is beautiful to witness that happening...and if that just can't happen...well, just know God has a plan. Toughen your heart, open your home and savor the rewards!! My thoughts are with you.....Best of luck.

[kalynn]

Hi, I have had two adoptions through foster care, both with the wait under one year. Our first adoption was an 18 month old little girl. It was actually one year from the first time we contacted social services to the time we were matched. We are in the process of adopting a 3 year old little boy right now. We again waited just one year. It does seem like it will never happen ... but it does. My suggestion - I would not just sit and wait for the phone to ring. Our second adoption was a direct result of our self-advocacy skills with our social worker. Good luck, Kalynn.

[cj416]

That is so nice to here 2 good stories of younger adoptions. If you don't mind me asking, what state are you in and is that the state you adopted from?