[GoddessDanu]

(Sorry for the cross-post. I didn't realize there was a state thread.)


DH and I already went through the classes required but we had signed up through our adoption agency thinking we were going to adopt soon. Well, the adoption has been put on hold due to finances so in the meantime we thought we'd try being foster parents. We'd like to eventually adopt a child from the foster care system so we thought we'd get some experience with foster kids.

I run a licensed daycare so I'm not at all worried about the home inspection or background check. From what I hear it's the same check required for daycare. We don't have a worker yet (I'm going to call this Monday to get signed up with one) so I can't really get any answers to my questions right now. Could someone please help?

1. I have a bedroom that would be used solely for the foster child. Is it ok to have a bathroom attached to the bedroom? DH and I are thinking of starting with babies and I didn't know if it would be an issue to have a bathroom attached as long as it was child-proofed.

2. Since I run a daycare and the foster child would technically take a daycare spot, would I get paid for that spot through the state?

3. Generally is your experience with birth parents good or bad? I'm a little nervous about dealing with an angry birth parent. I could only imagine how I would feel if my child was taken from me but when taking the child for visits, is there security involved or is it just you, the child, and the birth parents?

I live in Oregon if this helps you at all. I really, really appreciate any advice/help you can offer. Thank you!

[Krispy]

My dh and I are working DHS Oregon. We live in Portland. Here is what I can tell you. We were chosen to go to committee with a little guy. We decided to change our mind, so we are back to submitting for kids again. Here is what I can tell you from experience. DHS home study is free, but you pay in other ways. It took our worker a year to finish the study. We had no control over when she would finish it. We called her every two weeks, nothing. So, here is my advice. Meet with the supervisor and a worker. Talk with them about wait times, the workers load, and when you can expect the study to be completed. Interview them because if they aren't what you are looking for, go with a SNAC agency. You have options in Oregon.
As far as foster care goes. They send a driver to your home to pick up the child. The drivers are trained to look in mirrors, and handle safety issues. DHS doesn't want you to have negative feelings towards birthparents because it is their goal to reunite.
PM me if you have any questions, I am glad to help.