[fcmom00]

Hi to anyone
We will be license for Foster adopt by the end of the month. There was a hold up waiting for the health dept to come out to inspect the home. Can anyone tell me what they exactly do when they get here? They will be here Monday.
Next ? We were called last Thursday and asked if we wanted to be staff for two children 3 1/2 yr boy and 6 yr girl (brother & sister) for adoption. They actually make their decision tonight or tomorrow. We are a bundle of nerves as you can expect. They are in the process of the bio parents rights being severed. I guess I just need your prayers we are one of 4 families being considered.
Does anyone have any advice on what I should be doing incase it's a yes.
Carol

[kforkids]

The health dept inspection should not be a big deal. Just make sure you follow the "codes" they want (call them to find out)
For example, I live in the county- my fire extinguisher does not have to be mounted. in the city it does- and held up my friend's approval
make sure all your smoke dectecors work. Make sure you have them outside all bedrooms, on all levels of the house
Make sure nothing is blocking exits

Best of luck to you!

[fcmom00]

Thanks kforkids
Thanks for your promp reply. I was wondering about make up on a make up table or purfume. Does that all need to be locked up?
What about matches for candles are they ok in a drawer?
Before I get carried away I received a call from the case worker tonight. They picked us, we meet with cps on Friday to go over all the info about the children, We are so thrilled!
I'm sure I'm going to have lots of questions I'll make a list and post it tomorrow.
Thanks again
Carol

[kforkids]

WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Congratulations!! How exciting!!!

my take on the health Dept stuff.... (I don't know for sure!)

matches- out of kids available reach (and they can reach more than you expect!) I keep mine in a cabinet with my spices

perfume and make up on a table- in YOUR room! should be okay!
just know a 6 yo coming from a chaotic situation may want to use it in ways you would not appreciate!

Set boundaries fast and firmly!

Keep us posted!

[bumpkin]

FCMom 00

Congratulations!!! That is soo exciting that you were chosen. How long did you wait???? I thought you had to have the inspections out of the way before you were officially approved, but I guess not. How close are the kids to parental rights being terminated???

You must be thrilled.

As for what you might want ready here is what comes tomind for me (I have a 6 year old)

- age appropriate videos (my son likes Nemo, superman, sponge bob)
- For the 4 year old - rescue heroes, superman, rescue league, dragon tales, thomas the train

They should be in beds, so you might want to get some "character sheets" sponge bob, dragon tales., dora the explorer

For the girl - polly pockets, betty spaghetti, my pretty pony.

for the boy - matchbox cars, legos,

for them both - lots of paper and crayons, colored pencils, washable markers.... and more paper. Childrens scissors, glue, glue sticks. poster paints for painting pictures, rocks etc...

Good luck and please keep us posted. it's so helpful for those of us waiting for our children to hear success stories!

Best
Bumpkin

[fcmom00]

thanks for the info on the health dept and toy ideas for that age group.
The only thing holding up our foster/adopt license was that the health dept hasn't inspected our home yet.
the health dept. called the 8th and will be out the 15th we have been waiting since Oct. so that will be taking care of soon!
We were called on the 4th of March by our case worker to see if we wanted to be considered for the two children. They were going to staffing on the 9th which I found out we were choosen the night of the 9th.
The bio parent rights are in the process of being severed. The case worker said that shouldn't be an issue I'll find out more on friday. I know there are always ifs when they haven't severed the parents rights yet because anything can happen. I guess I'll still take my chances and be overjoyed that their mine.

Any help on discipline, reward system, what works and what doesn't would be helpful. I know schedules and consistancy is important. I get to take 6wks of work off for foster or adopting so that will help get us settled.
Thanks again
Carol

[kforkids]

How great that you get to take time off! That is fantastic!
Take some time with your husband to figure out your house rules- together!
Being strict early will help- you can always loosen up later, but it so hard the other way around!
Keep things quiet at first- the temptation will be to do otherwise, but a simple and structured schedule with few visitors and excitement will help the kids get to know you- and that you set and enforce rules- for thier safety!

Talk to the current foster parent- do find out what works there! Find out favorite foods, etc!
Ask specific questions of the forum for your best responses!

[fcmom00]

Thank you for all your help

[jolean12]

Congratulations!!!!! How exciting I agree that talking with their current FP may be your best option to start out with. They will be the best one's to tell you the kids need's, favorite's, and what works for them. Let us know what CPS says.

[fcmom00]

Unfortunately CPS had to schedule our meeting Next Friday instead of today. They couldn't get everyone there on short notice. I'm so anxious to meet them I'll go nuts waiting another week. I guess I'll keep myself busy because I found out that the children have to be in seperate rooms so it will take me at least a week to get another room ready. I thought because they were brother & sister it didn't matter that they shared a room. He's so young and all.

Carol