[auntie123]

If a Social worker calls a foster parent and asks them if they are willing to adopt there two foster children. Does that mean the State is going to do a termination of parental rights? They would not bring it up if they thought the parent was going to get the children back would they?
thank you.

[marigold]

It might mean they are looking forward in the case. I have had a case where they asked me to sign a letter of Intent to adopt on a child only to have him RU I also know in our area, they need to have adoptive homes in place to take a case to legal screening, which is a good precursor to Termination. So in other words it is like everything else in the world of FC... MAYBE. Hope that helps even a little.

[luvmykids4]

I don't know all the particulars of your situation, but here's a thought. In our county, they have a 5 month review, and during that time, they give the fp a sheet to fill out. On it, they ask different questions about the child, and they ask specifically if you would be interested in adopting that child should they become available. It may not mean they are available - just that you'd like to be considered if it got to that point. With our first foster baby, we were told after the 5 month review that we were 'approved' as the adoptive resource, only to see her returned at six months to a bad situation. It may just be standard. Hope this helps.

[jen0ue]

I think it means they just want to know that option is available if that is what happens...

[mylovebug]

we were asked that very early on in our case and we have had him for 2 years tom. His parents finally surrendered and as of 2 days ago we are now in the adoptive status. I think they just want to know if this is an option or if they need to be thinking of something other placement if you are not willing to adopt.

[Joy2566]

That is part ASFA, every couple of months (not sure of the exact time frame) the caseworker has us fill out a form with questions. Would you consider being a long-term resource for this child? Would you consider guardianship of this child? Would you be an adoptive resource for this child? There is one more, but I can't remember what it is. I have to fill out these forms for every foster child, it doesn't matter what there case is like.

[thelowlanders]

We were asked this with a previous placement, yet the caseworker had NO intentions of letting that kiddo get adopted...EVER. I think she was just trying to fill out paperwork.

[ScrapMonkey]

It means they want to know if you're willing to be the backup plan. That's all legal-risk and foster/adopt is, IMHO. We're the backup plan just in case things don't work out for the bios. It helps me keep my sanity some days to remember this

[Drywall]

auntie...adoption cases can be extremely complex and have many chapters.

Generally, the state holds a hearing and usually makes a preliminary determination of how to proceed with the case....e.g. parents are deceased etc.

Or, the b-parents are in jail, the case involved abuse and neglect, etc.

The first hearing is simply to determine the facts of the case. Why is the child in court and what disposition is required of the court?

The court will then set dates for additional hearings, to determine compliance of court orders, investigation of the circumstances, etc. And to see if there is any change in the status of the case.

It is a step wise procedure in which the court determines the suitability for returning the child to the b-parents.

Often the court will know what the outcome is to be and the CW will be allowed to notify interested parties that a child MAY become available for adoption.

This is simply to open the door for collecting and exploring various options.

The dates of the possible adoption are not established until all the hearings and the paperwork is complete.

Once the court determines that a return of the child to the b-parents is not an option, the court begins to explore other options.

The CW is told that the child "WILL BE" available for adoption and they may start exploring all options.

Any possibility is explored...family members, open adoption, adoption through foster care, etc.

Once those options are reviewed and a decision is made as to the circumstances for the adoption, the court will rule.

If you can contact a case worker so that your intentions are known, it is possible to be added to the list of options.

I wish you the best.

[excited2adoptsoon]

I think even if there's a very small chance they may be available for adoption later, social services wants to make sure that they are placed in a home that's willing to adopt rather than take the chance and have them disrupted from another home.

For my first fosterchild, they made sure multiple times we were willing to adopt. Of course we said yes. That child was reunited.