[HowardW]

My wife and I started the adoption process in Arkansas back in 2000, but never wen through with it. We completed the PRIDE classes, but when it came time for a home study we decided our youngest child (4 years old) was too young for such a disruption.

It's been 6 1/2 years, and we're considering it again. My wife wanted to consider foster-adopt, but looking through the DHS website, it seems the state wants dictatorial powers... any child with any problem can be dropped off any time... only one person to work outside the home... I don't like what I'm reading, it seems DHS will assume a dictatorial role.

Also, I know there was a report on KARK a few months back but I didn't see it. Was it good, bad or ugly (this is Arkansas... I suspect "ugly" is the correct term.) Skimming the board here, it seems that there are a lot of complaints about Arkansas' lack of response.

Is this really the case?

We live in LR, we have three kids: a 20 year old girl in college, a 15 year old in high school, and a 10 year old (normally in trouble.) We are looking to adopt a caucasian, hispanic or asian girl between the two ages. Adopting across state lines would be an option.

Thanks!

Howard

[arkansas parent]

We live in Arkansas and are just waiting to have our homestudy approved. I have not heard anything about someone needing to stay at home. We are going to adopt only. We started the process in Nov 05. It has been a slow process,but I think we are almost done.

[stillwaiting]

Howard,

From what I have seen here in AR it depends on what county you live in. I live in Saline Co. just outside of LR and our DHS workers are wonderful. However, I know that is not the case all over the state. I met a lady at the pool this summer and she adopted both of her daughters from DHS/State and I saw her last week with a newborn. I was commenting on the sweet little baby girl and she said she had only had her for a few days.

I know they had some tough situations as well with other children but they did finally adopt and they may adopt this little girl. I will try to get her name and maybe you can e-mail her.

Also, I know of a private adoption company and they are WONDERFUL to work with. They have a birthmother's home and most of the time they need good adoptive parents. PM me if you want their name and number.