[dscarter]

Hello everyone, I think I posted in the wrong thread earlier. Sorry for double posting..

My dh and I have been going through the adoption process. We have had our crim cks done and will be having our home visit soon. We begin classes after the holidays. I have some questions if you would be so kind as to read and help me with any advice you may have.

1. What can I do to make sure my home is safe? Is ther a check list so that when my SW comes, she will not have to request us to make repairs etc.. Is there some place that I can obtain a check list or does anyone know what I should look for or prep for? Will they look in my cabinets, fire exten, smoke alarms etc...

2. I have one spare bedroom. I have purchased two captains beds for it. My son has a bedroom that he is willing to share. My husband and I have our own bedroom. We have a theater room that could be used as a bedroom if I rearranged. Can you tell me about how many children that they would allow in the home?

3. We are both 40. We have a son that is 15. What age groups will we be approved for? I am experienced in ADHD and I am a home school teacher. I am a SAHM.

4. How many children will they allow to share in one room.

5. I have heard of monthly subsidy to help with the children, does anyone recieve this and does it help with expenses?

6. I got a DUI in 1999. Please dont think I am bad. Young and ignorant...It was a mistake and all I can say is dont have even two drinks and drive. Will this stop me from being approved? I have written a letter and given it to my CW. They didnt asked for it, they will not even find it possibly, but I wanted to be open and honest. Will it stop our adoption process? I am so scared...

Thank you so much. I appreciate you all so much and this forum is awesom!

[rsbg]

To answer some of your questions (as best as I can)

1. We got a TON of information (like what you are asking for) when we started our classes. Each state/county is different, so it is hard to say exactly what they will require. I would assume the basics, fire extinguisher in the house, smoke alarms, plugs in the outlets, medicine locked up, cleaning supplies and knives out of reach, etc. But they should be able to give you some sort of a list as to what they require when you go to your classes.

2. I think that varies by state/county as well.

3. ditto

4. ditto

5. I think the payments depend on the children and their special needs. I think the amount can vary from state to state as well.

6. I think the most important thing is that you were open and honest about that. I truly believe honesty is the best policy and from what we learned in class, they feel the same way (at least at our agency). I am sure the CW will ask questions about the incident, but I don't think it would prevent you from being approved.

I am still learning all this stuff myself, so some of the questions I really couldn't answer. Sorry! But I understand what it feels like to have allllll these questions in your head, so I hope I have helped a little bit.