Adoption Saga Recap {Week 2}

I really don't have anything new to report this week.

We're excited about getting started with Orientation this comnig Monday. It makes us feel like we're at least moving forward. At this point, our philosophy is that any movement is better than no movement and from what I've read from other adoptive families, that's going to be our philosophy through the whole process.

Knowing the risk that is inevitably involved, I still struggle pretty much daily with fear trying to creep in. I just have to continue to put that worry in God's hands and trust that He has it all  under control. He is faithful.

Please continue to keep us and our future children in your prayers. We really appreciate it!

Steps in Adoption Saga

1. Complete over-the-phone intake and provide email or mailing address to receive application {Completed 11/30/11 and again on 12/2/11}
2. Application completed {Completed 12/2/11}
3. Orientation at regional office & turn in application
4. Complete SLED/ Fingerprints and Child Abuse Central register releases on all members of household 18 years and older
5. Attend 14 hours of preparatory training to help with self evaluation of the types of children which would fit into our family
6. Fire and sanitation inspections completed on home by the Fire Marshal and DHEC.
7. Home Visits: adoption specialist visits the home and completes interviews for pre- placement investigation
8. Three/ Four References received and interviewed by adoption specialist
9. Medicals on all family members
10. Provide copies of birth certificates, Marriage license and divorce petitions and decrees if applicable
11. During assessment we along with the agency assess qualifications and readiness to adopt
12. Approval received and we are considered for children along with other approved and waiting families
13. Placement committee selects us and notifies us of a child
14. We are presented full background on child/children for whom we are selected
15. We meet child/children and begin visitation with child/children
16. Placement occurs when child and we are ready for move
17. Post placement period begins and can continue up to 12 months
18. Finalization of the adoption in Family Court (Hallelujah!)

XO,