[adoptionhelp]

Hi,
My husband and I are looking to become first time parents via adoption. We sent in our application this morning, but still have some questions. If you're able to answer some (or all) of the below, it would be appreicated. Thanks everyone!
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1. We read that MAAPS training, in some areas, can be done one day a week for a longer amount of hours (as opposed to shorter sessions). Where/How do we find this (We're in FL)?



2. How long is MAAPS training good for?



3. For the background check, fingerprinting is requested, correct? We both have latex allergies (found in ink). Can we have this done digitially?



4. We are fixing up our home. Are we able to request to have the homestudy done once this is completed as opposed to right away? (Also, what should we expect during the home study)

5. The application asked for an age preference, we wrote our preference as under 4. How long of a wait (roughly) should one expect?

6. Our income is modest, but could support another family member. Will this likely bar us from adopting?

[adoptmom2be]

Here are some answers for you:

1. We read that MAAPS training, in some areas, can be done one day a week for a longer amount of hours (as opposed to shorter sessions). Where/How do we find this (We're in FL)? MAPPS in FL takes 10 weeks - as far as I know there is no shorter version



2. How long is MAAPS training good for? not sure - but I know you have to update your homestudy after a year



3. For the background check, fingerprinting is requested, correct? We both have latex allergies (found in ink). Can we have this done digitially? yes



4. We are fixing up our home. Are we able to request to have the homestudy done once this is completed as opposed to right away? (Also, what should we expect during the home study) You can, but I would recommend just having the details of what you are doing and when it will be done ready - lots of people in our class were remodeling and they were fine - as long as there aren't saws and nails everywhere (safety issues)

5. The application asked for an age preference, we wrote our preference as under 4. How long of a wait (roughly) should one expect? quite a few of our friends are looking for something similar - that young is going to be a longer wait but not impossible - do you care about race?

6. Our income is modest, but could support another family member. Will this likely bar us from adopting? as long as you can show you can support the child, they don't expect anything extravagent

Feel free to PM me with any other questions - we just finished getting our homestudy in May and are meeting kids today!

[DianeS]

Hi there!

MAAPS training - every agency is likely to have their own instructor, and that instructor will set the class hours. So if this is important to you, ask about the class schedule before you sign with an agency, and/or ask about taking the MAPS class somewhere else and still gettting credit for it. Doing all the calling around to find a class schedule you like is up to you, and you may or may not find what you want. But it never hurts to ask.

MAPS training is usually good for a year. After that, you will be expected to get a certain number of training hours on your own. Sometimes you can repeat the MAAPS training, sometimes you can read books, sometimes you can take public classes at the hospital, etc. Ask.

For fingerprinting, explain your allergy and ask. Fingerprints at most places are sourced out to the local police department, courthouse, somewhere like that. So it all depends on where your agency outsources the fingerprinting and what technology they have. You may be responsible for finding somewhere that can do them digitally, and may be responsible for paying any price difference.

Homestudy timing - you can request anything you want, but the more special requests you make, the longer it will take to get licensed. This is one I wouldn't bother with. It's not like an assement of your home's worth, where you want everything perfect for the walk through. As long as you have enough square footage and a room for the baby, and no big safety hazard like exposed wiring or holes in the floor, you're fine. If you insist on waiting for the painting to be finished, you'll be at the end of the line and the last one done. Besides, the home is only a tiny portion of your homestudy. The rest is interviews and discussions with you and your husband. Don't sweat this one.

Wait time - there's no way to predict this one. If you'll be fostering, it all depends on how many kids aged 4 or younger come in to care, how many families there are who can take them in, and who answers the phone first. If you're adopt-only, it depends on which home and family is the proper match. Things like the child's race, gender, and special needs factor in, too. It's not like there is a list you move up on and can predict when you'll get to the top.

Income requirements - You probably have to be above the poverty level, and have income you can prove. If that's true and your income exceeds your outgo, it shouldn't be a problem. People in all income brackets adopt.

Hope that helps!

[adoptionhelp]

Thank you both for helping with my questions! (and congrats to adoptmom2be on meeting the kids!). My husband and I are new to this and just have so many questions(lol). Thanks Again!