[NatelisaAz]

Oh my!! I feel so bad for you. This girl should not have the child. Hopefully CPS will wake up.
NatelisaAz

[shanzelka]

Haven't been here in awhile and thought I'd post an update. We were licensed the end of September, got three foster kids immediately, who moved on to another foster home after 3-1/2 months, and last month we were picked from three families at a red file staffing for a 9 year old girl, who moved in with us on February 13th! She's a perfect match for our family and we couldn't be happier. This happened because I emailed my lw all the time, and finally asked her if she had access to children in the whole state--she talked to her supervisor, and then contacted another county (Yuma). The moral of this story--be persistent!!! Susan

[Herawood]

Hi all,
So gla there are people in here! I live in tucson and am just now thinking about looking up domestic adoption since I had originally searched for international adoptions. I really need some basic advice.
Do you have to register with just one agency?
How do you this agency?
Does each agency have sort of a multiple listing program to birthmothers...similar to real estate??
How much should domestic adoption of a newborn cost?
How long is LONG when it comes to waiting for placement?
Do you pay the fee along the way?
Which are the bigger, faster moving agencies in this state?
Does DES place newborns?

Any basic help would be great because I am just starting.
Thanks!
Kat

[numbr1dbcksfan]

similar to real estate??

*Gasp* I should hope not!

[Herawood]

I meant the *system* of multiple listing being similar to real estate, obviously NOT the process of adopting a human being. Sheesh.
Kat

[shanzelka]

We're with Arise, but they're just in Maricopa County. I can probably hook you up with another adoptive family who lives in Tucson for local advice. The cost through the state is almost always zero. I suggest you do the classes and training so you can be licensed to do foster and adopt. It will take much longer and there will be fewer children to choose from if you go straight adoption, though you can do that if it makes you more comfortable. In Arizona, families are matched to children--you won't be able to just look through a book and pick out the kids you might be interested in. We started our classes last March, were licensed the end of September, got three foster kids right away, who eventually moved to a long-term home, and a 9-year old girl was placed in our home for adoption mid-February (they have to be in your home for six months before you can adopt, even if they're already legally free). While we were waiting for an adoptive child, we were offered two different children who were under one year in age and legally free. They were both boys, biracial, and had been exposed to drugs before they were born. The children in the system more often than not will have issues, whether they be because of the mother's drug or alcohol abuse, developmental delays, behavioral issues, etc. Our daughter was sexually abused. She hasn't had any behavior issues, she's doing great in school, and she's a joy to have in our family. While the child is in your home, and even after you adopt them (through the state), you will receive a monthly subsidy ($13-something a day, I think?), and they will have medical and dental insurance (free). You will also receive $2,000 to go towards adoption expenses. Susan

[Herawood]

Thanks Susan,
But I thought the state doesn't normally deal with newborns and its faster to adopt due to having to cancel birth parents parental rights in a foster to adopt scenario?
Either way I would really appreciate any contacts I could have in Tucson to talk to. I'm feeling overwhelmed!
My e-mail is khaydn at cox dot net. Thanks so much!!!
Kat

[NatelisaAz]

We have thought of foster adopt also and live in Arizona. We are in Yavapai County. Anyone know where we should start??? I know there is a lot of classes to go to but, what do we do first??
Lisaaz

[shanzelka]

Kat, I've posted your email on another forum I'm on and asked for those who live in Tucson to contact you. Good luck! Susan

[Herawood]

Thanks Susan!!! Need all the help I can get!
Kat

[shanzelka]

Sorry it took so long! Here's a contact in Tucson:

I'd love to help someone with Tucson info!

We've done and are doing foster care and adoptions -
experiences with several different agencies.

Have her email me -
stshowell@prodigy.net

[heidi and co.]

Hey, where did everyone go? I joined the forum about a month or so ago and am always interested in what's going on in AZ. This was an older subject and I am hoping to revive it

[shanzelka]

What stage of the process are you in, Heidi (my daughter's adoption should be final in the next month or two, and we should be getting another girl in the next few weeks, who we hope to also adopt)? Looking for advice? What part of AZ are you in (I'm in Mesa)? I don't post here often--I belong to another group that I'm on all day long, and pretty much stay there. Susan

[heidi and co.]

Our 7 year old was adopted a year ago in April. Our adoption date for our other 3 is August 12th. Yeah! For your date. We live in North Phx. I am going to pm you a question. Good to hear from you, Heidi.

[Littlemama34]

Help I am trying to adopt from DES. I have my homestudy at the court house waiting for the judge to sign. I am trying to adopt a little boy. I am AA and wanting a AA boy. I dont seem to be having luck right now with this because there is not that many in Arizona. Trying to adopt from Florida