[shay34]

Can someone tell me if all homestudies require class attendance or is that because we are going through the state system? Does agencies send you to classes or just do interviews?

Also, I am starting my series of interviews today and would like to know what to expect?


Thanks

[organicmommy]

Everywhere I know of requires class attendance. As far as what to expect, well it is hard to say. They will ask you many questions about your childhood, your family, your relationship etc. It is best of you are just yourself, this is what they really want. It can be nerve racking, but it is not that bad when it is all done. They will just want to know about you and be able to make some decisions on your personality etc.
Good luck, it will be over before you know it.

[twyla]

Hi, Shay34!

Not all agencies require you to attend classes. Bethany Christian Services has no classes. However, they do have a Waiting Families' Support Group that meets once a month and we haven't missed a single one since we started working with them last February because there is so much to learn about adoption and we want to be well prepared. We are with this agency after going through our state's homestudy process and their 10 weeks of training classes, because we didn't think getting a healthy caucasian newborn was probable through the state.

If your agency does require classes, bully for them, they are providing a great service to their adoptive parents by helping teach them about the differences in raising adopted children and children born to you. And you realizing those differences may help the child you adopt to be a more emotionally healthy individual as they grow into an adult.

What I am trying to say is... Don't be afraid of a little class time, they don't require it to see if they can flunk you out, they only want to help everyone involved in this process by educating you about it. Just try to relax and enjoy the classroom learning process, you will be learning in the school of reality by hands-on parenting soon enough!