[Jenniwest]

We have officially started the journey of adoption through the state of SC--DSS. We're excited about it and would love to talk to others along the way. I've looked into many other options and have received info. from multiple sources, so feel free to pm me if you want to discuss those as well.

I wish you the best in your journey!

Jen

[dadfor2]

welcome to the forum jenniwest. THere are alot of us out here who adopted from the United States through DSS.

You will find most of us on the special needs board....lol.

congrats....


dadfor2

[Lorraine123]

Jen,

I also adopted through DSS. Like Dad said, there are lots of us. What age group are you looking for?

Lorraine

[Jenniwest]

Thanks for the info. concerning where other members are posting.

We would like an infant to 1 year old to begin with. I know...that's probably hard to come by. What are your experiences/info. you've heard about getting a baby? Some friends of ours have a beautiful little girl--they got her through DSS when she was 7 months I think.

[mykidsmom1]

I would love to discuss my experience with you. We started our classes in late October and finished early November (just 2 classes). Since we were nearing the Holidays and still had some paperwork to turn in, we did not get our homestudy started until February which went very quick. Our worker came over twice and that was it. She went over our paperwork to make sure everything was in order. She asked us questions about our family and things that we wrote on our application. I was nervous about the homestudy but it was not envasive at all. It was nothing like I thought it would be. We showed her where the kids would be sleeping and that was it. Her second visit was somewhat repetitive. She went over some more questions about our family history to make sure she had a good idea as to how to write up our homestudy. She really made us feel relaxed about the whole thing. After that she would call me for some minor explanations like (how long did we live at a particular address, what year did I leave Atlanta etc.) It only took about a week after her last visit befor our homestudy was complete and submitted to the state. She explained that since we were going for an older AA Sibling group between 4 and 10 that it would not be long before we would be matched. She said when she turned the homestudy in, she immediatly began to get inquiries from other workers about our family. The workers were literally fighting over who would get out file. WOW! I had even called and spoke to a case supervisor and she told me that they already have a couple of sibs that we are being considered for. Oh by the way you will need to have a sanitation and fire inspection by with the fire marshall and sanitation rep. Don't worry all you need to have is a home size fire extiquisher and make sure that all of your household cleaners and any poisons are up high or better yet, locked away. These inspections only took about 10 min or less each very quick.

If you want to see some answers to my post, I posted the same question in the Special needs forum. Let me know if I can answer any other questions you have. I would love to share anything with you.

[Jenniwest]

Hello, mykidsmom,

Thanks soooo much for your reply! Your stpry was very helpful. The thing we're struggling most with right now is the fact that we live in an apartment and our windows are 21 ft. from the ground. They are supposed to be 20 ft. or less. (It's kind of odd--we only go up one flight of steps, but our end of the building is on a hill). So, we're wondering if we can just bring in some dirt =-]. We are attending classes right now, but they continue for 5 or 6 weeks. It's great to hear that your homestudy was scheduled for so soon after your classes ended. Some other friends of ours seemed to have to wait longer. I'll check out yoru other post as well. I'd love to hear how things continue to work out for you!

Jen

[Psalm139gurly]

Jen,

Hello! My husband and I are currently seeking information about DSS adoption. We have looked into foster care which has been a while back now, but just not sure if we could deal with "letting go" if that would be the case with a child we know we could grow to love. We are also wanting to adopt an infant or toddler, just wondering if that is a long wait or what the odds are with that. I do know a family that went thru DSS and not only were blessed with their first infant, but later the sister of the first infant after the mom became pregant again and requested the same family. I know it's not all together impossible but would like more info about your story and where you might be in the adoption process presently! Thank you

[Jenniwest]

Hello, Amy!

I was surprised and thrilled to see another reply to this post after so long.

I'd love to talk to your about the adoption process--though we don't have myuch to show for it yet =-].

Pease email me at jenniwest2002@yahoo.com if you don't mind.

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Jen

[laraine]

How are you doing on your DSS adoption process? We are in the middle of our Home Study and all is going well. Let me know if you are still interested in Adopting or have Adopted.

Best luck!
Laraine

[Jenniwest]

Hi, Laraine!

We are still in the process with DSS but have not had our homestudy completed yet. How is yours going? It's exciting to hear of others going the same route we are. I'd love to hear how things go for you!

Jenni