[Archive]

Originally Posted By Lisa

I am 25 and single... I have wanted to start a family since I was 18. I had considered adoption a few years ago & decided to wait until I became more financially stable and mature. I couldn't imagine giving birth when there are already so many children in need of a loving home. Any advice??? cuequeen@hotmail.com

[Archive]

Originally Posted By Theresa

Hi
Good for you. I too am 25, but married, and am thinking of adopting. I know here in my state, WA, sinlge moms have great success at adopting. If you have a strong support network ie: friends, family, church, neighbors etc. to help you, you will probably find the process rather easy.
First step is to contact you State dept. of Family/Health/ Children's services. Just look in the gov't pages of your phone book. You will probably have to take a class approximatel 10 weeks long (one night a week). You will also have to fill out a ton of paperwork and have a social worker visist your home. You do NOT have to own your home, it just has to be safe. As long as you are self supporting you should breeze through most of this.
Once your "Home-Study" is approved your social worker should start looking for a child for you. If you know what kind of child you are looking for you can look for yourself on the internet. I have found the BEST site is www.adopt.org This site lists Nationally listed children but you can also search by state. You can also follow the link to the Photolisting sites for all states. Be your own best advocate, squeaky wheels get the grease =)
Good Luck.

[Archive]

Originally Posted By Michael

Start by taking a MAPP Class. This will help you search your heart and help you make a decision. I can't imagine taking on the challenges of Special Needs adoption (older child adoption) as a single parent. But I Know many, many that have and are very happy in their new found family.

[Archive]

Originally Posted By Brook

Lisa,

How did you come to be such a compassionate, thoughtful young woman? I sincerely applaud your desire to focus on children already on this earth but urgently needing a family.

If I were your Mother, I'd be exceedingly proud of you!

Brook
QuikSmyle@aol.com

[wannabeamom]

Hello,
I'm 35 and single. I'd like to adopt an older child. I've already picked her out. She's 12. I have not started the process. Are there any single men or women who have gone through the steps? I'm wondering what the average time frame is. I'm open to any advice. I read that adopting gives you a tax break. I think that's great. If I follow through, I will need to move to a larger place. Currently, I live in a very upscale one bedroom apartment. Does anyone know if I need to have a larger place before I begin the process? I don't know where to begin.

[Peggy]

I am not sure what state you are in, or if you are going International. International has pretty set time frames.(The agency will let you know). State adoptions can vary dramatically. I adopted my daughter at 43. I was 41 when I first contacted my agency and started classes. I was approved in about 3 to 5 months (Not sure now), and then waited about a year for a match. I wanted a girl, so that made my wait a little longer. I was willing to go up to age 8, so that made it shorter than it could have been. Check with your state about the bedroom situation. It may depend on if you have a separate sleeping area (Den with couch) or not. You and the child will need separate sleeing areas definitely.

[wannabeamom]

I appreciate your feedback. Are you single too? I'm in TX and the child I'm interested in is in NY. Moving is such a nightmare but if I I will. I definately would appreciate more space. How's it working out for you? I have tried to contact the SW in NY but they don't return my calls. I guess I will have to start the process here in TX.

[lucyjoy]

Your home study has to be done in the state you reside in. Your worker then contacts the worker in the other state.(Some states will take calls from parents, but most don't).

[wannabeamom]

That information is helpful. I guess I'll get started with my local agency.

[Peggy]

Yes I am single to. My daughter is 9 and a half. She moved in when she was 8.

[wannabeamom]

Currently, I work from 330p-12m. I'll have to become a day person soon. I supposed you work around your daughter's school schedule?

[Peggy]

She goes to extended day. Which I initially felt guilty about. But she was also in extended day in her foster home. It is an unfortunate fact of life for a lot of families, even two parent families. But I like where she goes, and I combine it this year with a karate class that functions as an extended day program 2 days a week. I wish my mother lived closer, so she could babysit every once in a while. But so far things seem to be working out well.

[wannabeamom]

That's a major concern of mine. I have always worked evenings, either 12n-830p or 330p-12a. Working days is going to be a big adjustment. My family lives in another state. I'm not really sure what the school schedules are around here. I'm glad to hear that things are working out for you.

[Peggy]

In my state we have an information system "211" that gives out the names of daycare places that are licensed and approved by the state. There are night places, or you can hire a person for the evenings. (thought that in itself is another big job). The late shift might not be so bad, you would be there after school, and in the morning.

[wannabeamom]

Thanks for sharing. I will explore those options. I'd prefer to stay nights if possible. I'm off next week so maybe I'll be able to make an appointment with a social worker. I'm just wondering how your social life is--since you are single. Do you date much as a single mom? If that's too personal, please disregard.