Search Results for: blog standing out at a committee or staffing

Things I Wish I was Told about Adoption

I’m not only going to share the things that I wish I was told about adoption prior to doing it, but the things I’m glad I was told as well. Keep in mind this list pertains primarily to state adoptions: • Whether you give birth, or adopt, if you haven’t met the child prior, you really never know what you will get in regard to special needs. • The process of waiting and emotional ups and downs will better prepare you for the road ahead. • Get involved with a support group! Being in one ourselves, my husband and I … Continue reading →

Standing Out at a Committee or Staffing

Every state or county seems to run things slightly different. When choosing a child for a family, a committee might meet; this may be referred to as a staffing, or a case worker may choose. Our state of Oregon, like many others, holds a committee. When a child is ready to be adopted, our state will choose three families that have inquired about the specific child. The family’s case worker will represent them in front of 3 committee members. If you are chosen for committee, often it’s against families that are equally capable of caring for the child. If you … Continue reading →

Each Case is So Different

One of the most frustrating things I’d hear after asking how long it takes to adopt was, “It depends; each case is so different.” I didn’t get why this answer kept getting thrown at me since I knew a bit about the Adoption and Safe Families Act of 1997 (ASFA) which provides somewhat of a time line for cases to be processed. I knew each case was different, but I’d hoped to hear more about deadlines and statistics for adoptions in our state. Since 2001 I have been involved with a few different state adoption support groups. I find myself … Continue reading →

What You Have to Offer a Support Group

Although you may not think you need a support group, have you considered how a support group might need you? One of the main reasons I think people don’t attend an adoption support group is they don’t feel it will be of any benefit to them. In my years of leading and co-leading support groups I’ve noticed three primary groups of attendees: those in waiting, those in crisis, and those who want to be of support. Those in waiting: These are often people who’ve attended group to learn more about the process of adoption after their home studies have been … Continue reading →

The Kids through State Adoptions

Contrary to the stories, concerns and fears you might have read about online, most of the kids adopted through the state that I personally know about are genuinely well adjusted and happy. Many potential adoptive parents become scared off after reading an adoption forum site or watching television. Before becoming resistant to state adoption, there are a few things I’d like you to know: 1. Adoption forum sites typically have posts by parents seeking support and information rather than raving about their wonderful and beautiful children. In other words, people with happy and normal lives don’t always sit and talk … Continue reading →

While Waiting to Adopt

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The hardest part of the adoption process I hear about from others is the waiting! I call it the “Hurry up and wait” game. Anyone who’s played it, I’m sure will agree, it’s not a fun game. There are some things that you can do during the waiting that will not only help pass time, but actually help you stand out as a waiting family. Take advantage of special opportunities with your current family. When my husband and I were waiting, we would take day trips to the ocean and the mountain. We took long aimless drives at night (gas … Continue reading →