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Originally Posted By Mike

Hey gang:

Those of you who've read my posts probably notice that I'm beginning this process at a very deliberate, methodical pace. (Some might say I'm slightly anal-retentive) : )

Anyway, I've made a point during this starting period to AVOID looking at the state photo-listings. I dont want to get set on any child, knowing how long the process takes to get an approved homestudy. Heck, this is Indiana. Most of these kids will be on Social Security as long as this state can take.

Her'es my question: Thursday, a friend of mine e-mailed me and told me of a positng on aother state's photo-listing for two brothers. They are almost 13 and 9. They must be placed together. They have some learning disabilities and the "normal" emotional baggage, which doesn't intimidate me. They even had an e-mail for the social worker. I was struck by how much I had in common with these two. in fact, it was kinda spooky. What I need to know is, should I email the social worker and express an interest while clearly stating that I am VERY early in my process or would that be a bad thing??

Mike

[Archive]

Originally Posted By Pam

Without a homestudy, they probably will just tell you to get one and then call back. This is what happened to us when we called before our homestudy was completed. It can't hurt, but I doubt you'll get any encouragement. We never did.

[Archive]

I am a Hoosier also. I saw a sibling group of five on the state's website and put in an inquiry and within 5 days their case worker called me. I was told then that we would need a homestudy before she would tell us anything about the children. We started the paperwork first and then classes were started 2 weeks later. This week is our last two classes and our homestudy is finished. (We thought doing our paperwork first while waiting for classes would speed things up). It has been 7 weeks since we first saw their faces on the web, and we are anxiously awaiting to hear if we are a match. They say it will be around the 3rd week of June before we hear anything. Put in an inquiry it couldn't hurt!

[Archive]

Originally Posted By Sondra

Mike,

As tempting as it may seam, dont email the caseworker until your homestudy is completed. I had the same feelings as you so I inquired about a sibling group in December ( right after I went to orientation ). The social worker didnt turn me away saying that I needed a homestudy. She did just the opposite and welcomed me with open arms. She had me contact my recruiter and mail me the paperwork to summit a "minibio". She said that she needed the info asap so my husband and I could be considered for these kids. Well I was very naive on how the system works so I believed her. My husband and I spent hours working on the minibio. We were so excited when we faxed it to her. Well, about a week later I called her and asked her what was the status of these children. She stated that they were going to the committe meeting in one week. When I asked her about us, she blantenly stated that since we didnt have a homestudy, that we wouldnt even be considered. We were crushed and I felt like someone had just played a very cruel joke on me. Please, take my advise and wait. The time will go very fast and soon you will have that child that you desire!!