[txwannabemom]

My homestudy was submitted to the state today. I know it is about 30 more days (or more) until approval. My homestudy worker told me clearly that I was most likely to be approved. Then talking to DFPS I was told that I could expect a matching wait of 6-18 months.
REALLY!?!?!?

I am looking for 1 or 2 girls aged 4-8
I am open to children who with moderate to severe emotional issues. I am open to mild developmental, physical, and medical abilities.

The definition of mild in these cases could be "deaf, blind, palsy," etc. Its not "nothing" to be mild.

Are they really telling me that in the state with the largest number of waiting children... there are no children who meet those criteria?

I'm willing to do the work, being "pushy" or whatever. I am hesitant to foster, and have applied for straight adopt. Should I go back and change it? I don't even know if I can with out setting it even further back?

I don't want my daughter(s) to be out there for 18 months if they are available now.

Ideas? How long did you wait? Clues on making the system work better?

[CaddoRose]

I guess it could be true that it will take 6-18 months for a match because you are waiting for a child to be legally free for adoption and also for the foster family to say that they do not want to adopt her. Also you're looking for either a single chid (ren) or a sib set that matches your criteria with ages and needs levels. There are other considerations when they place a child that center around finding the best fit for the child and other people also looking for the same type of children.

[hopefulfor1more]

I recently discussed wait time with my caseworker. We are waiting for a single girl age 0 to 8, mild issues ok as well. We have been waiting for 4 months already. We will take low risk foster to adopt or straight adopt. I was told that due to some recent legislative changes (like opening removal workers up to lawsuit for "unnecessary" removals and paying relatives for taking in children), the placement agencies are not getting as many referals as they used to. Even straight foster families are having openings. I guess waiting may be inevitable, but worth it in the end. You can always check the TARE website for waiting children. Fostering may speed up placement, but reunification is something you really have to be aware of.

[craftingmama]

actually, i know of two in texas that fit that description. they've been legally free for adoption since september 2007 and family is trying to get them and yet, they continue to put off court dates, leave these girls in iffy situations and refuse to put them with qualified family. good luck!

[waiting4bebe]

Hi,
I am new to the forum but have read many many posts and really learn a lot here. I wanted to say according to my CW since we are waiting on a younger child we will be waiting a lot longer but if we are willing to take more than one and up to 8yrs old, you should not be waiting that long and I am also in Texas. I would check the TARE web frequently because children come and go quick. Another thing I have been told is to keep contacting your CW so that they are aware how much you want children NOW, but of course I haven't even though I am dying to but I feel I am bothering her and I really don't want to seem desperate but I really am longing to have a little one in my arms soon!

[txwannabemom]

i actually have a few situations aI will try for form TARE and my CW might as well be a family member by now.... I talk to her all the time because I am running a a bear donation event for Harris county. I am hopeful and but was totally freaking at the thought of waithing another 18 months. I know it will all work out in God's time.