[pedpets]

Hello!

I'm new to this website (referred by a friend). I'm very happy to see so many other Oregonians with big hearts and open arms welcoming little people into their lives!

First let me say Congratulations to HappyMomAnna on your finalization (it was a long time waiting). You may not remember me my name is Virginia I was the co-facilitator (2+ years) for WA. County DHS support group. I'm happy to see you on the message boards getting the word out. I didn't realize that when I left the group this past June that it would fizzle out. I'm happy to see you being so active in getting it started again. There are many people who need the support during the adoption process, transitioning a new child or sibling group into their homes and lives (as you and I both know) and the total adjustment (joys and frustrations) of having a new little person in their life, with or without issues.

There were some things that weren't mentioned in your posting that I wanted to put out there. The Washington County Adoption Support Group is for pre-adoption and post-adoption families. You must have a completed homestudy and be approved by DHS to attend. There will always be a DHS social worker present at every meeting. Everything said in the meeting is kept strictly confidential. All meetings are held the first Thursday of every month from 6:30-8:30 p.m. (or until a new time-slot/date is determined) Also Loraine is no longer with DHS her last day was Dec. 8th. Greg is the contact person until a permanent person is assigned. The support group is a great place to meet other adoptive families. Help with the frustrations of waiting for a placement. A wonderful place to find resources for issues. And a great start to understanding how the process works.

For those who don't know me I'm an adoptive Mom of two, ages 4 & 3. Our adoption journey started in Jan. 1997. We adopted through SCF (or a.k.a.) DHS, Washington County. Three social workers and a few hiccups later we received our son (age 3 months) in 1999. Our daughter in 2000, from birth (They share the same birthmother), (They are 6 days shy of being one year apart). Our case was very unusual (so they say) that if anything could go wrong it did (a very long story, which I will spare you all). We finalized on our son April 2001 and our daughter in Dec. 2001. I'm well educated with the system. I've taken 45+ hours of training (to be honest I stopped counting after 45 hours), read numerous books and I have acquired a number of resources.

Well, with all that said. I hope that I'm welcomed here to this forum. I look forward to talking and getting to know you all. If I can be a resource or a support for you, I'm always glad to help. Sorry this post is so long. Have a GREAT day!

Sincerely,

Virginia (pedpets)

[HappyMomAnna]

I am so glad you are here online!!!!!!! And I do remember you very well although it was funny how our paths rarely crossed--it seemed when I was there--for one reason or another you were not....I have not been the most regular member of the group.....it seems the first week of any month has been difficult for me to plan......?

I live closer (as far as time to drive) to the Multnomah meeting and have spent nearly two years attending their meetings.

I will be talking to Greg and asking if there are any things I can help do to get the word out---and remind people of the mettings. Greg tells me that they will have a regular "paid" staff person in the future and that the same worker will be responsible for all of the meetings.....I think this will help a lot.

I sure hope everything is going well for you now--I was there at your last meeting and know leaving was a difficult decision for you---but, I completely understand you reasons. It is so great to have you here and hopefully between the few of us we can get the meetings back up and going..... there are important to so many of us before--during and after placment.

Have fun surfing the threads. This is an interesting place.... I have personally learned a great deal about the process and the differences our state has to many other states..... We have a pretty good system here and I learn more about our system everyday......