[iamctb]

Hey all, just wanted to bring up the subject of adopting through the Cherokee Nation (or any tribe). If you are a member of any tribe, please call their office and inquire. Our home study was complete in Sept (was started in July) and we have two beautiful sisters that have been with us for two weeks.

[MommaD]

Congratulations on your girls!!

I want to add that there is a real need for adoptive (and foster) Indian homes. My son sat in foster care for over a year while they tried to find a tribal home to adopt him. Finally they gave up and we adopted him. We aren't officially NA, meaning we don't have roll numbers. Anyway, there are LOTS of NA children, of all ages, just waiting!

[iamctb]

It's funny when our friends and neighbors meet our girls- they say "I thought you were adopting little "Indian" children". We did, they just happen to be green eyed and blonde.
The Indian Child Welfare Act is a federal law passed mandating that Native American children available for adoption have to be adopted into a Native family. Yes, there is a great need. Contact your Tribal office.

[mamanet]

Hi-
I am looking to talk with other adoptive parents who have adopted children through the Cherokee Adoption Unit. I would like more in formation on what to expect from this agency. I am new to this whole adoption process and I am not sure if I should be calling and checking on my status and that type of thing. About 4 weeks ago I received a call from CAU after they received my inquiry and a copy of my tribal enrollment information. We went through the whole questionaire in regards to what type of child(ren) I am able to take and then we talked about the homestudy. I told them that I am a state registered foster parent with the social service unit at my tribe and they said they can accept my homestudy and certification from them, they said just have them fax it. It was faxed and I called to confirm that they received it, they said I just have to wait to be assigned an adoption worker. Does anyone know what type of time frame I might be looking at? I think I am a bit inpatient --I don't know. Should I call them? I don't want to be a pest. I am just so excited. I keep reading about people who have had great success with CAU and and hope I can find the same. Looking for any information and support. Thanks!

[tbmichals]

I have had my homestudy done since April 2004. I have not even been presented to a family yet. The need can't be that great.

[iamctb]

I'm not sure what you mean by being presented to a family. Have you contacted the tribal office in Catoosa? Maybe they can help expedite your need. Were you open to various ages etc?

[tbmichals]

iamctb,

Before your homestudy can be given to a birthmother I was told that the social worker has to kind of ask your permission first. They have never contacted me about it. I requested a newborn to 6 months. I am thinking about raising that to 5 yrs though.

I think my social worker Stacy B is at the Cherokee Nation in Stillwell. Can I do both?

[mamanet]

Hi Tara,
I would call Stacy B. and talk to her about it (She is my SW too). Plus, if you want to increase the age of the child you are willing to take in that would definitely increase your chances (accepting a sibling group does too). Do you have a preference regarding gender? I heard through my state agency that 80% of the children up for adoption are boys. I don't know if this makes a difference for you. Call Stacy, I call my local tribal agency all the time and they said they appreciate it.
Hope this helps, Annette

[Oklahoma]

Many years ago we were told that if we didn't foster we really had no chance for adopting. Is it different now? How long have you been waiting?

[mamanet]

I believe you can still adopt even if you are not a foster parent (you have to do adoption classes). I know this to be true at least in my state which is NY. My friend is doing strictly adoption through our state agency and had a little boy (2yr) in a matter of months. Are you talking strictly about Cherokee Nation or your state agency? From everything in the adoption handbook with CN I believe you can just adopt but fost-adopt is also an option. I have been a FP for 1.5 yrs. and have been looking to adopt since 9/04. I just recently completed everything for CN and waiting for the official word that I would be certified. My SW said everything just had to be typed up and then needs her supervisor's signature --- so now I wait. Where are you in the process?

[tbmichals]

The other day I raised my age limit to 2yrs old. We opted for the fost-adopt program also. We have been waiting since April 04. It seems like nothing is happening. I can't afford 30k to go through an agency right now.

Tara

[Justinspuppytoe]

Hi there, I just got the call last week that we had been assigned a caseworker. We are really excited.

Iamctb-What ages are your girls if you dont mind my asking?

Does Cherokee Nation just get kids from Oklahoma or are there children available thru CAU all over the US?

[iamctb]

Justin....Good for you! I know you are excited! Our girls were 8and 10, now are 9and 10. We are actually fost/adopting.........taking a chance because the process where they are legally available for adoption has not been completed, altho they have neen in the system for 4 yrs now! Not sure what CAU stands for, but CN takes Cherokee kids from across the nation, altho my understanding is the largest majority of them are in OK.

[Justinspuppytoe]

Thanks so much for your response. I appreciate it.

We have been experienceing so many different feelings. Worried, scared, nervous, excited, happy...all wrapped into one. I just hope we can do these kids the justice they deserve and I hope we can handle whatever issues they may come with from being in the system. Just breaks our hearts.

[NDN]

We are trying to adopt though the Choctaw nation and the Cherokee Nation. Can you give me a little information about how the fost/adopt program works. Do you know approximately how many kids there are. I ask because we are asking for children under 2, because we have small children and no experience parenting older children, and I am afraid that we will be waiting forever. Also, in the program, what are the odds of the child being returned to their bfamily?