[akaggie]

I have found a sibling group on the State of Texas' foster/adoption site. Something about these boys is just pulling me towards them!!

I called the Harris County Foster/Adopt office and will go to the orientation next week, and then begin a 10 week class to become licensed as a foster/adoptive mother in the state of Texas.

What do you think my chances are of getting these three boys as a single woman? The SW I spoke to today didn't seem phased by it, but still, I'm kinda concerned that I am setting myself up for heartbreak.

Is there anyway to 'reserve' these boys so I will at least be considered for them after I am licensed?

Angela

[HappyMomAnna]

Being considered as a placement for these boys will be up to their caseworker. The state may require that they are placed into a home with a 'stay at home' parents some states do require this some don't. It might depend on the support system you have in place...and the needs the boys have.

Typically the children placed on the websites have some significant issues.... most often they are leagally free which means you could ask the state about Straight Adoption rather then Foster to Adopt .... in straight adoption you accept children who are legally free for adoption rather then assume the Risk that children placed will be reunited with their biological families...
Most states have both the Foster to adopt and the straight adoption program.

Children placed on the website will most likely have seriouse issues--you might need to take two or three afternoons off every week just to get the therapy sessions needed... The children might need you to be around a lot in the begining ... it is hard to attach when you spend 8 hours in day care...

As for HOLDING them for you--NO the state is NOT going to let the children wait any longer then they have to wait for a Forever Family.... If a family is found who meets the needs of the boys they will be placed...

As you will discover during your training when you work with the state they are in the business of finding families for children not children for families--what you want and need is not ever as important as what the child needs..

Anyway there are many single adoptive parents...and there are many children in need of a home--you will be surprised and the right child will be placed if you are patient...

good luck

[Cultureshock]

The above is well said, and seconded!

As a Single Mom, what they will also look for is who is going to be these kids Male Adult Role Model (s).

Their expectations will be not just the traditional holidays visits, but exectations in participating in school and extra curricular activities!

[akaggie]

Well, I work from home, so taking them to appointments and being involved in their day-to-day activities will not be a problem at all. This was the way I designed things...that I'd have a career where I could stay home w/my children. Of course, I thought they'd be my biological children, but maybe they'll be adopted.

[lucyjoy]

There likely will be a family found for these boys before your calsses and homestudy are completed. The kids shouldn't have to wait and there is no "hold" system. But, there is also no shortage of kids and if you really want to parent, take the classes anyway. The perfect kids for you may still be waiting.