[laralong]

When are homestudies conducted? On weekends, evenings??? And are they done after classes?

[kforkids]

This will depend on your SW- when the homestudy is done. They will work out a time that works for all of you.
Usually the HS is done after (or near the end) of the MAPP class.

[hopenc]

We were told that the homestudy would be done when we finished our last class. We did receive our profile packet at our third class so we could get started on that early.

[janae]

Howdy all!!! I thought I'd chime in here if you don't mind. My husband and I are former Wake County foster parents (now adopting internationally so, had to relinqish foster care license). Our homestudy was complete about 4 months after we finished MAPP classes. The reason is you have to get several documents before your homestudy is complete. Among them are: a fire inspection, 2 social worker home visits, physicals, and a criminal background check. If you're working on those items WHILE taking MAPP classes, you should be homestudied about a month or so after MAPP is over. If anyone wants to adopt a waiting child from the foster care system, your foster care license is generally sufficient to get that ball rolling. If you want to adopt from a private agency, you start again at ground zero with a homestudy.
Hope This Helps,
Janae

[nana-bren]

Hi Janae,we live in wake county and are considering foster-adopt.would love to hear what your experience with the county was like.thanks,bren

[janae]

Dear Bren,
We've had a pretty good experience with Wake Co. Our first placement was a 5 year old Cauc. female and she came about 4 weeks after our licence. She was very "rough around the edges" but got better as time went on. Through therapy, it was discovered she had been molested and, we have younger children in the home so, she went to a theraputic home more versed in sexual abuse. After her, we were called to do respite care LOTS of times. Sometimes we said "yes" and sometimes "no". Respite is great because you get to have children for short visits while the fosterparents are out of town and such. It lets you "get your feet wet" with and end in sight if a particular age group or child is tough. It can be hard because I grew attached to certain children REALLY quickly and then, of course, they leave.
All in all, I found Wake County very supportive and FULL of extra services if you feel you need them. The only reason we left was to pursue adoption from my husband's native country (Philippines). Good luck and feel free to email with any other questions!!
Janae

[Kaylee]

My cousin has signed child custody papers over to me...the baby is due in about three weeks. My lawyer drew up the papers for us and she is very compliant with everything. She is single with three kids already and can't afford another one and says she feels no connection with this child bc the father is Hispanic and has gone back to Mexico. Is there anything anyone can do to keep this from happening besides her or the father? Since it is private and in family? The lawyer says there is nothing else he can do until the baby is here.....then he will file a petition with the clerks office for the birth certificate change and to go ahead with the adoption. Can anyone help me here? I live in Brunswick County, North Carolina......needless to say, no one seems to be able to tell me anything!

Lisa

[hopenc]

Lisa,

It is my understanding that after the baby is born mom will have 7 days to reconsider keeping the baby. She signs the papers after the baby is born at the hospital. If she changes her mind and wants to keep the baby during the relinquishment period and then changes it again, signs again, then she has no rights. There is something she can sign to give up the 7 day period.

We were told all of this at an adoption seminar we went to in Charlotte. I can't remember how long the father has to claim parental rights. Your adoption attorney should know. If he doesn't come forward to claim the child then you post ads in the newspaper, etc for a certain amount of time. You have to show the court you tried to find him. Again all I am telling you is vague I know and please asks your attorney. I think it is important to know if the father knows of the baby because I remember hearing that if the father contests and wants the child you have to prove he knew about the pregnancy and abandoned the child.

I wish you the best of luck. I have had friends who have adopted and we are planning to do the same. We know it will be a very trying 3-4 months if not longer since we are going through DSS before the adoption is final. Just have faith that God will work everything out.

Lori

[Kaylee]

Thanks alot for your reply. I'm pretty sure I don't have to worry about the father. We've already decided to put it in the newspaper for 30 days and see what happens, but he was here illegally if you know what I mean and it was one night!
She however....is very much so wanting me to take this baby.....and I so much want it!! The lawyer told me that the child custody papers should be all we need to bring the baby home from the hospital and I hope he is right. She has told me she is even willing to sign Power of Attorney papers for me if thats what it takes!
So wish me luck. If you think of anything else or can add to what I have just written, PLEASE do! I need all the advice and knowledge of this I can get! Again, THANKS!

Lisa