[3timesacharm]

Hey everyone,

I haven't posted for a while but wanted to update everyone and share some new regulations that DYFS has placed on adoptive homes. First off, we are now "officially" approved for adoption. Our approval was apperantly given by Trenton on March 12th but we didn't find out until yesterday from our Social Worker. The letter did not reach her office until then. (over a month). Anyway, we are glad all the paperwork is done, but we did find out some new info that I wanted to pass on to everyone who is going straight adoption. Because of all the changed in DYFS, straight adoptive homes now have to go through and official "home Inspection" and be licensed the same way as a Foster or Foster/Adoptive home. I guess before all these changes, adoptive homes only had to be inspected by the social worker performing the homestudy, which we had. But now they (the state) needs the official inspectors report as well. I was also told that the inspector will meet with each family member that day and speak with each of us individually. He is sending me a checklist for inspection and two more forms to be filled out. We are told though, that because we have already recieved approval, any placements will not be held up because of the inspection. I found all this out yesterday and the inspector called us today to set the appointment! This is the fastest I have ever seen DYFS work. Just wanted to let you all know about this new regulation.

[leenab]

I heard that was going to happen. Glad it's happening sooner than later for you. And don't be surprised if you get calls for foster placements too.

We had our liscencing interview/visit the first week of Feb and are approved, but are still waiting for our paper liscence. I called to check on it and was told it's in a file on the supervisors desk, LOL. So then I spoke to the supervisor a month later and he said, "Yes it's on my desk, but you're approved." I just had to laugh though. Really, why don't they just send it out already.

I know DYFS is really busy in the south on the foster end of things. As we're constantly getting calls. But still no news on the fost/adopt or adoption front for us. But have been looking out of state and have submitted for some children out of state. So we'll have to see what happens.

Gotta run everyone's waking up,
LeenaB