[o2b30again]

I just had a visit from our SW yesterday and I am already feeling down. We were discussing how we should finalize this Feb and then she will just close our license. Why does this seem like the end to me? For me it is bitter sweet. I know that I want to enjoy a bit more time with our new kids because they came all in a rush and it has only been about a 1.5 yrs total for this whole process. On the other hand I know that if someone needed a place and they were a good match for our family that we would never say no. Another thing to consider but not dwell on is that there are 4 BF and 2 birthmom's out there and they are all under the age of 28. Two are only 23 and 25. So there is a potential for more children.

It just seems like the end of a journey...
I just am not certain that I want to give it up yet.

[parenting-over-40]

Do you have to close your home after you finalize?

[o2b30again]

We can only have 10 children in the home max is my understanding. Anything after that would have to be under a variance. I think that her mindset is that we aren't done yet with the birthparents having more children. There is also another cousin that is being raised by her birthmother (sister to the other two birthmom) In this family there are 4 sisters and 3 have had their children removed. (I have 2 sets) Apple doesn't fall far. I think that they just have a gut feeling that we are in for more children that are relations to our current ones. We are an adoptive home only so keeping our license unless we are actively seeking won't work. I am going to bring up our anxiety about this as the time gets closer. I guess I just needed to express myself a bit.

[parenting-over-40]

Oh, I see. It never hurts to express yourself. Who knows what they will say.

Here is another way to look at it. . . . When I finalized with my AD, I saw it as a beginning to a new journey of our forever family.

[irelady10]

Is it possible to put your home "on hold" and not outright close it? In my state, at least, if you close your home, you have to go through EVERYTHING again to reopen it; when its on hold, you don't get calls, but can still get a new placement, like a birth sibling.

Good luck with things!

[athikers]

There is a parent on the special needs board who has...I don't know, I lost count 16 or 17 kids. So, it is very possible to keep your home open. She just brought another sib set home not long ago.

[o2b30again]

The problem is that we are an adoption only home. I wish we were able to foster in our county but I know that it would drive me crazy. I don't agree with anything that they put foster parents through. If we were foster I could get licensed as a group home. I will have to look into the "rules" for adoptive parents. Thanks everyone for letting me vent!

[parenting-over-40]

Vent away any time! That's what we are here for.

I think your original plan to voice your concern to the CW is the best way to go. Please let us know how it goes.

I think it is great that you are able to bring so many children into your loving home.