[Critical5]

My wife and I are trying to look at all options in adopting, and are interested in learning more about adopting through the state. We have made a couple of phone calls to some of the FIA people, and they seem very negative about adoption. I was wondering who has adopted through the state, and where did (do) you start.

[jazdale]

Don't be dismayed by a poor attitude of a couple of people from FIA.

First off, its a gov't agency. Employees come and go like a revolving door, typically with no experience and low wages.

Second, they're in the business of dealing with the worst that society has to offer. Throw-away babies, addictions, abuses, etc. Their job is primarily to take children out of bad environments and put them in good environments. Your personal case will be mixed in with the above mentioned priorities. Do not expect the same attention to detail as you would expect from giving a private organization 30 grand.

Second and a half - The majority of the children are older, black males. Many people want white infants without pre-existing emotional trauma. Its like your shopping for a Ferrari at the Salvation Army second-hand store.

*****
I have personally been stung by a failed, infant adoption with FIA. I can't hold the agency responsible. Its simply another case of a wishy-washy birthmom that did not get counciled in the same manner that a private organization would have done.

I believe working with FIA is the most Christian thing you could do. As you review the cases in the MARE book, your heart gets tugged by the obvious needs of a child VS your desire to have a 'perfect' child.

[JL Cauling]

If you haven't done so, please visit the Michigan Adoption Resource Exchange. aka www.MARE.org

We worked with Ennis Center for Children (locations in Flint, Waterford and Detroit) and are very pleased with the responsiveness from our caseworker.

Good luck to you on your journey!

[teddy56]

hey im looking for my bro and sis ? can you help?

[politicog]

Originally posted by Critical5
My wife and I are trying to look at all options in adopting, and are interested in learning more about adopting through the state. We have made a couple of phone calls to some of the FIA people, and they seem very negative about adoption. I was wondering who has adopted through the state, and where did (do) you start.

In many counties, the State is not directly involved in the placement of kids who are wards of the State. In the larger counties, it is generally contracted out to the child placing agencies. The State's involvment is usually limited to court appearances and sometimes a State social worker is assigned to a child (though it seems that the agencies themselves supply their own workers).

Be aware that the greatest need is for the adoption of kids 7-14, mostly minorities. You must expect that the child will have some emotional issues and a high probability of special ed needs.

Roger