Adoption Saga Recap {Week 4}

Book em Danno.

Well actually, we weren't booked, we were just printed.

Aside from having a hard time finding the office, it was all very smooth. They do everything digitally now, so we didn't even have to deal with the black dust. 

We've had several people tell us that now we're "on the grid" so we shouldn't commit any crimes now. 

We did find out that my niece Liz has an amazing fingerprint. It's really distinct according to the printer. (Printer? Is that what you call the person doing the prints?)

Other than that, not much has changed. We should hear from our case worker about the 14 hour training in the next few weeks.

We specifically need you guys to pray that we'll get clear direction 

about building vs. buying. We'd LOVE to build a house,  but it has to be the right situation. What we decide to do will affect the timeline with all of this and of course, we want to do the right thing.

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 {Completed 12/12/11}
4. Complete SLED/ Fingerprints and Child Abuse Central register releases on all members of household 18 years and older {Completed 12/19/11}
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!)