[Lisa0512]

Okay, I am trying to be understanding about this but I am getting a little peeved...Okay, here is what happened...

When I began the foster-to-adopt process, I told my agency, which will remain unnamed, that I planned on going on vacation right smack in the middle of the mandatory PRIDE (MAPP); my recruiter informed me that that would be no problem and that they would provide one-on-one classes for the classes that I am missing. Since I was told this, I went ahead and took six of the ten classes, completed and submitted my homestudy paperwork and completed all class homework and classwork in a timely manner.

Well I started looking for children based on this and have found a child, older child in the foster care system of the District of Columbia. I have conversed via email with her social worker and have been getting warm and coozy feelings. About a month ago, I was told that the person made a mistake, there is no one-on-one classes and that my last four classes will not be available until March or April. Since I felt that it would be best to be honest, I told the child's social worker who told me that the child may not be available. I have contacted my agency and basically they have really been no help. I have been told that this should not have happened and that someone will look into it but this is affecting my ability to adopt this wondeful child.

CAN ANYONE TELL ME HOW TO RECTIFY THIS SITUATION???

[Debbula]

Hi Lisa--

We had a similar problem getting all our classes in too. Our agency actually gave us the book (STEP) and we were able to complete the classes at home on our own time and turn the tests into them. It might depend on the state your in as far as the in-class requirements.

If your recruiter told you it would be okay, then in good faith they need to honor that. Speak with the boss. If there is still a problem, get a copy of the homestudy itself and go to another agency that is willing to work with your time constraints. BTW: If you need the ammunition, remember that private agencies are licensed by your state.

Debra

[Lisa0512]

Debra,

I spoke to the boss; she said that I should not have been told that. But the party line is that I need to complete 30 hours of classes; I agree 100% with you that the agency should allow me to do one-on-one classes in good faith because I was told this.

I would gladly do 'take-home' classes because I have the book and have already completed the classes. Right now I am waiting to hear from the CFSfoster care adoption social worker who is the social worker for the child that I want. She seems more than willing to help me plus my agency contracts with DFS so it is of interest to her how my agency handles this. The point is most people do not want to adopt older children so it is a shame that the agency is acting like this since this involved an older child.

[Debbula]

Sounds like you have a great CFS worker. Sometimes they can be the best advocate for you just because they know the bureaucratic ropes. Including talking with your agency and making sure you get the classes you need--especially if she/he feels you are the right placement for their kiddos. They have a way of making things happen

Still, remember that it is the private agency that will monitor your fost/adopt placement. If they can't make good on this promise and stand behind their recruiter, what is going to happen in the future? (just food for thought )

Good luck--I hope everything works out.

Debra