[newtoaz]

Hi,
I've been reading this site daily however I am still confused on some stuff. Where is the best place to get detailed information? Does it make sense to go to an orientation class even though you're not ready for the application process?

We're looking at possibly adopting a child between the age of 1-3 and possibly through foster/adopt as we don't have a lot of money for a regular adoption. We are looking to gather as much information as possible on both foster-adopt and regular adoption.

Any suggestions on agencies? If so, please email me.
Thanks!

[BrandyHagz]

hi New,

Yes, the best place to get info on foster-adoption is to attend a orientation class - in fact, here in Arizona, its difficult to get any information from anyone, besides, "Attend one of our orientation classes for more info"...which is frustrating.

If you're looking for information on domestic infant adoption - you can also attend information classes at local agencies - but I urge you to decide which route you want to take, then look for feedback from users on their agency recommendations.

You're not required to use an AZ agency to adopt domestically - so you've got a lot of potential possiblities (as well as fee ranges) to consider.

Have you decided what you're ideal child would be, beyond 1-3 years of age?

Are you open to biracial or African American children?

Have you researched the different types of domestic infant adoption (Open, semi-open, closed)?

Good luck! Let me know if I can answer any non-agency related questions...

I live in Arizona as well - Gilbert to be specific.

[newtoaz]

[quote=BrandyHagz]hi New,

Have you decided what you're ideal child would be, beyond 1-3 years of age? Ideally a healthy, on-target (developmentally) child as we have a 3 yr old and won't have much time or money to deal with medical issues. I know with foster/adopt you should expect the children to have some emotional stress and that is something that we can work with. I've heard horror stories of bringing in sexually abused children so I'm weary of that (my cousin had 2 foster children who began actively flirting and seducing her husband and I've read stories of foster kids sexually abusing bio kids. That will not be tolerated). I know we are looking at individual children as I dont believe we could mentally or financially handle a sibling group (do they ever split up a sibling group? that seems kind of harsh to do but is it done?)

Are you open to biracial or African American children? As I am African american, I am open to both. Race does not matter to me although it may matter to the state (LOL).

Have you researched the different types of domestic infant adoption (Open, semi-open, closed)? Yes, but I'm still researching all options. I'm sure we don't want an baby though. We will more than likely only consider 2 to 3 year olds (possibly 4 depending on when we actually start the process). The hope is that my bio son will remain the eldest child as so not to alter the dynamics of the family.

Thanks! I'm sure I'll have a LOT as we dig into this. I am going to go to try going to an orientation sometime this month I think. Trying to pick the right orientation to go to seems time consuming. I went to the state's website and was able to get a list of professionals.. but how do you decide??

[BrandyHagz]

In AZ - the orientation meetings are not agency specific - so go to any of them, they have info packets on all of the agencies there.

It is time consuming!

Good luck!

[newtoaz]

Also only looking at domestic adoptions. Can't afford international adoptions.

[BrandyHagz]

Domestic Adoption is generally 'infant' adoption - rarely you will find a mother looking to place her older child - but its rare.

If you're hoping for a 1-3 year old, you're best route will be foster care - but you'll need to be prepared for the issues that come with parenting a neglected/abused child - which you're going to learn about in MAPP Classes.

[newtoaz]

[quote=BrandyHagz]In AZ - the orientation meetings are not agency specific - so go to any of them, they have info packets on all of the agencies there. That's great to know.... now I dont feel as bad looking for one near where I live.

Questions I've just thought of:
When going through a fost/adopt and when using an agency, is the agency responsible for making sure that the rights are terminated? If not, how would I go about doing that?

How are out of state fost/adoptions handled? Will that be discussed in the orientation?

Does photolisting list alll or most available children or will the foster care system have access to others that are not listed?

[BrandyHagz]

When going thru foster-adopt - everything is handled by the state/agency - but its a long process and usually, when a child is placed, they are 'legal risk'.

You can avoid legal risk placements by adopting a child who's parents rights have already been terminated, however the child will usually be a bit older.

I don't know that they'll talk much about out of state adoptions - the state generally tries to get you to adopt from your state (its within their financial best interest) but you should bring it up and ask about the process of finding a child out of state and how that works in Arizona.

Photolistings list only a portion of available children which are free for adoption - sites like adoptuskids.com and photolisting.adoption.com are limited by the state workers - you might have some luck looking at actual state sites - but really, its up to the worker on placing the kids on the site.

Generally no one in Arizona will have access to another states information - outside of being able to send your homestudy to the other state.

It's a lot more complicated than it should be, sadly.

States tend to photolist the harder to place kids - medical needs, sibling groups - etc.

There are a number of kids waitingin Arizona - it's difficult to navigate the system here and usually it wears potential parents down before they can get licensed (I've been navigating it for about a year - its been difficult, to say the least).

[newtoaz]

thanks! You have been most helpful. I have contacted a state professional to get into their orientation class.

Thanks again!

[BrandyHagz]

No problem! Please keep us posted on your progress and post questions any time!

If I happen to miss something - feel free to PM me - I am usually pretty busy working (I work for Adoption.com) so I don't generally get a lot oftime to post during business hours, which have been pretty often recently.