Adoption Saga {Weeks 7 & 8}

Well as usual, life happened and I didn't get to write a recap of week 7.

I guess it's a good thing nothing happened!

Last week I got word from our 4 references that they had received their questionnaires from DSS.

They should all be turned back in now, so now we just wait for the next step. I'm really happy with the people we chose as our references. Since they couldn't be family, we chose people who have spent the most time with us. One is a best friend we've had since way before we were together. One is a friend that I worked with (who also happens to have worked for DSS for a number of years), and the other two are from our church.

With all that being said, I'm happy to report that we're able to cross # 8 off the list!

I'm still waiting to hear about getting scheduled for training.

Hopefully I'll have something new to report on Friday.

We've got other things cookin' at the Todd house, but I can't share those just yet. Just say a prayer when you think about us.

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!)