[txdragonfly]

My husband and I want to adopt. This is our only option of ever having children, and I don't know what to do now.

We've looked into agency adoptions, and there is no way we can afford to pay 15k plus. (Yes, we have good jobs, but we don't have that kind of money sitting around. We cannot take out a second mortgage because we just purchased our house last year.)

We have tried the independent adoption route, but have had no luck in locating a pbm.

Checked into CPS adoptions and they are requiring that we go to the PRIDE classes on Tuesday (When I work m-f) and in Dallas when we live in the Tyler/Longview area. (Dallas is 2 hours away). They don't have any other options available.

I am really upset with everything. Anyone have any suggestions, I'd love to hear them.

[shy_bear]

PLEASE DO NOT TAKE THE THE WRONG WAY...if you are truely wanting to adopt then you need to do whatever is required to make it happen. Most people I know that work have to take time off to go to the trainings, meetings, etc. It is part of the process...while it stinks and is a pain it is what it is. As far as the money there are agencies that have loan programs, one of which we used in the Dallas area, b/t the tax credit and making extra payments we had it payed off within 3 years vs. the 5 they give you.

[kelceesmom]

If you have to take Pride classes once a week aren't they only for a month or so? You would only have to take off early once a week. Could you go in a little early and not have to use up so much time?

It is hard. We had to take our classes for a month and it was 1 1/2 drive each way. I just left work early that day. Keep asking and someone should have better answers for you. Good luck.

[ILOVEFLOWERS]

A private adoption is expensive too. with a private you will still need a homestudy, pay for your attorney and the birthmoms attorney and pay the birthmoms medicals and copays if she has them and pay her living expenses if she is requesting living expenses.

[ldaddy]

It gets expensive, thats for sure. But you have options. The tax credit will help. You can take loans out...there are special loans or you can take regular loans. You can do fund raisers. If you belong to a church, sometimes they will help. You can even ask family members to donate to the cause. If there is a will there is a way. You neeeeeed to get educated. Know about every country programs. Really research agencies. Consider special needs adoptions. Also, in any area there are usally more then one non-profit placement orgs that arent CPS. Try to find out who they are and see if they have weekend training.

Education is key. Get obsessed. The internet is a great source. Once you get all the facts you will find the right path to your child(ren).

Dawn (adoptive mom to 2 children, thinking about #3)

[ILOVEFLOWERS]

you can have a yard sale and save that money for the adoption and you can tell customers at the yard sale that your saving your earnings for an adoption and they may just donate a dollar or so and that will add up and they also may buy something and tell you to keep the change. it can add up to a nice hunk of change.

[JPDakota]

Adoption can be and often is expensive in both time and money, emotionally draining, and very complicated. Having said that, I wouldn't ever regret adopting DD. What folks are telling you is right. Educate yourself on all of the options/angles/approaches. I don't know your age, but if you can give yourself a few years of very diligent scrimping and saving, that might be an option. I would never have asked my family or friends or church for money, but a lot of folks are very comfortable with that. More power to them. The point is, the commitment to adoption usually has to be in place long before the actual act of adoption.
If I sound discouraging I don't mean to. I just encourage you to do lots of background work. It's a long ride on a big roller coaster.

[bajj]

Originally Posted by ILOVEFLOWERS

A private adoption is expensive too. with a private you will still need a homestudy, pay for your attorney and the birthmoms attorney and pay the birthmoms medicals and copays if she has them and pay her living expenses if she is requesting living expenses.

While this can be true, some states do not allow or put a "cap" on how much can be paid for expectant parent expenses.

I don't know the cap (if there is one in) in TX and I was fortunate and didn't have to pay any for either adoption.

[BrandyHagz]

OMGOSH! Julie, as I live and breathe!

[kelceesmom]

Ok which one is she?

[Vogi2002]

txdragon- first of all I live in Dallas. I know of an agency (might have given it to you already) that has a sliding fee scale but it's still going to be 25% of your gross income.

As far as the classes go, it's hard but you will have to take time off. We are not going through CPS for other reasons but if that's the only thing stopping you...take time. PM me if you need help while here if you decide to come!