[crystalp]

Okay guys, I need some help from any of you that have done straight adoption through dcfs from photolistings or one of the other agencies. We have put in our home study on 2 little boys, one in particular that we are very interested in! So, now what? I never really thought that we would ever do the straight adoption thing, but as our wait lengthens for a placement, I have been looking at photolistings and such. Do you guys have any advice on how to go about this? Any way to improve our chances of being picked? Anything would be helpful!

[Familynotcomplete]

I have no suggestions since we aren't quite there yet...

But I'm eager to see suggestions. I know I've read before that people have sent out a hundred inquiries before. That scares me!

[DianeS]

At this point, I think your only "now what?" option is to wait... and wait... and wait. If you have contact information for the child's social worker, it doesn't hurt to call and ask what the plans are, like a date for a committee meeting. Doesn't hurt to keep your name in front by calling with an honest question like that.

In the future, you can put information in your homestudy cover letter that explains why you think you're the best home for that particular child. Mention things that wouldn't be in your homestudy, but that would help you with that child.

For instance, I saw a photolisting once for a girl who wanted to "grow her hair as long as Rapunzel". At the time, my own hair was down to my knees. What a wonderful thing to mention, how my own life at that moment could help the girl achieve her goals. And something definately not mentioned in my homestudy!

If you're willing to be considered for children other than the one you are submitting your homestudy for, then be sure to mention that. A little note at the end of the cover letter saying that even if you're not a match for "A", you'd like to be considered for any other 8 year old boys with moderate needs (or whatever other traits you are prepared for) would be perfectly appropriate. The caseworker for "A" might be the caseworker for similar children who aren't listed on photolistings yet.

Hmmm, I'm sure other people will have other ideas. But those are the ones that I have seen that resulted in matches. Photolistings generate a LOT of interest, especially when the children are young or healthy. Sometimes it's just about being in the right place at the right time. Good luck!

[LollipopsAndGumdrops]

How did you know what was in your homestudy?

[bookwormmommy]

We received a copy of our homestudy from our caseworker. She made sure we had it in case it got lost in their office. We read our it has a few minor errors in it but nothing major. What child type we want is also a little off so I emailed our new caseworker with what we are really open to.
Good luck with the photolisting we haven't had any yet. Ask our caseworker about sending our homestudy out of state and she was clueless. So don't think we will be able to go that route.
hope their are other who can give us both more advice and encourgment.

[crystalp]

Thanks for all of the suggestions so far! DianeS - That is a great idea! I will call on Monday with good question like that! Keep it coming!

[Mama Julie]

Hi Crystal,
I haven't been following your posts, are you home studied for special needs US adoptions? If so, then it depends on if your social worker is willing to send your home study to the child's social worker (out-of-state?) When we were trying to go that route, we had to let our social worker be the one in control; she was a real stickler with that; I was not allowed to talk to any social workers without her permission. So I guess you should tell your social worker and ask how to proceed; see if you can get your home study to the child's SW, and then the 2 SWs will decide if your family is a good match for the child. If they say you might be a match, then request all the information you can gather... medical, social, family history & background, etc. With special needs there are some adorable children with some pretty hefty issues, so you have to go in with your eyes open. I wish you good luck! :-) Julie