December 2007 - called MA.RE to find out more info about waiting child adoption. Attended Adoption Event. Signed up for M.APP training in nearby town.
January 2008 – after much back and forth about whether or not I wanted to ttc, I decided I would *try* … still keeping foster/adopt plan in the back of our minds since we really wanted to adopt at some point. Canceled M.APP class.
August 2008 – received email photolist.ing from MAR.E that featured a sibling pair that we felt we really wanted to know more about. began to discuss foster to adopt again. put in a call to girls’ social worker.
September 2008 – signed up for M.APP training in not-so-nearby town. M.APP training is 8 weeks long. 3 hours a week at a private agency.
September 28 2008 – adoption event, networking with social workers.
September 30 2008 – assigned a social worker through agency – begin homestudy – home inspection and beginning of interview.
October 4 2008 – second homestudy meeting – large chunk of interview completed.
October 16 2008 – L individual homestudy meeting with social worker.
October 23 2008 – S individual homestudy meeting with social worker. Info on fingerprinting should be available by this class. *hopefully* we get fingerprinted this week.
October 20-24 2008 – working on making sure all documents for homestudy are in at the adoption agency office.
October 30 2008 – finished MA.PP class, got fingerprint PID#
November 1 2008 – adoption event in western ma, networking with social workers
November 11 2008 - final homestudy interview
November 6 2008 – fingerprints done (1 week turnaround on this. must go through central office)
December 1 2008 – still waiting on fingerprints …
December 9 2008 - FINGERPRINTS FINALLY IN!!!!!!!!!!! HOMESTUDY APPROVED!!!!!
December 22 2008 - MATCH!!!!!! we are matched with toddler sibs – boy and girl 3 and 2
December 24 2008 – disclosure 2 pm – agree to move forward with toddlers
December 26 2008 - meet kids for the first time
December 27 2008 – meet kids for the second time
December 29 2008 - emergency in kids’ foster home. kids come home with us for good.
DOCUMENTS for HOMESTUDY INCLUDE:
* written bio – both
* medical records from PCP
* proof of health insurance
* proof of income
* proof of employment
* letters of recommendation
* fingerprints NOV. 6!!!
* CORI check
* financial paperwork (bank accounts, savings etc.)
* M.APP training completed/certification
* final interview
* out of state cori check (michigan)
THINGS WE NEED TO DO BEFORE A CHILD CAN BE PLACED IN OUR HOME
* outlet covers
* baby gate near washer and dryer
* tub no-slip mat
* toilet seat lock
* carbon monoxide detector
* cabinet locks
* move all meds to higher cabinet
THINGS THAT WOULD BE HELPFUL TO DO BEFORE CHILD IS PLACED IN OUR HOME:
* paint room
* toddler bed
* some toys for toddler – 5 yr old
* dresser
* high chair (tripp trapp has an infant insert and works all the way thru school age 
* pack and play (hand me down from friends)
* look into pediatricians
* look into schools
THINGS WE ARE PREPARING FOR A CHILD AGE 0 -5:
* gift registries with items for kids in the 0-5 age range (when there is a placement we will email everyone and tell them the age this is important for big ticket items like – stroller, car seats, etc..
1 Comment
November 1, 2008 at 1:18 pm
girl, you better make sure you send the gift registry info to me.