Frequently Asked Questions
First thing is first...... Thank You so much for the encouraging messages, comments, calls, and texts we have received since we shared our announcement to pursue adoption. It has been joyfully overwhelming and we are so excited that you are interested in this journey we are beginning. With that said, Paul and I thought we should start by answering some of the common questions that we have been asked lately about our process. Hang on tight because here we go in no particular order.....
1. What country are you adopting from?
We are adopting from the USA....likely right out of Eau Claire county! When looking to adopt there are 3 different types of adoptions to pursue, all loaded with pros and cons.
International Adoption is often the first type that comes to mind for people. Some of the advantages to adopting internationally is little to no chance of custody issues after placement and the timeline is fairly defined (usually complete within 2 years). A few disadvantages is that the process can be complicated as the countries laws and procedures may change and the financial cost can be high.
A Domestic Adoption happens within the States and normally the birth mom chooses the family she wants to adopt her child. An advantage of domestic adoption is often knowing your child's medical history/family history and the increased opportunity to have a relationship with the birth parents. Some disadvantages of this type of adoption is there is high potential for a last minute change of mind by the birth parents and the waiting period can also be extended, unpredictable, and the cost may be high.
The third option is to adopt through the Foster Care System. The advantages to this type of adoption is the minimal chance of custody issues after parental rights have been terminated. The cost is also usually free or almost free. The disadvantages of adopting through the foster care system is the potential emotional and medical issues the child may face as a result of their situation. This option can also be unpredictable and get drawn out as you wait for the child to become legally free (meaning their parents have terminated their rights and the child is available to adopt). We are pursuing adoption through the foster care system.
2. Why are you choosing to adopt through the Foster Care System?
We are pursuing adoption through the foster care system because we see the need right here in our community and feel this is the avenue God is directing us to adopt through. Although it is a blessing that we don't have to worry about coming up with a significant amount of money to adopt, this had little bearing in our decision. No matter what avenue of adoption you choose we fully believe God will provide.
3. Are you looking to adopt a certain age??...gender?...race?...
At this point, God is drawing our preferences to children who are ages 0 to 5. We are open to a sibling group of 2, and have no preference of gender or race.
4. How long will this take?
Each child and situation is different and unfortunately, there is no cookie cutter answer to be found. There is a pile of paperwork to work through, a home study that needs to be completed which takes on average 4-6 months, and required trainings. In addition to that, once you are ready (licensed) and waiting for a placement, when a match is found, they must live with you as a foster child for 6 months before you can legally adopt them. If you do the math we could have a child as quickly as 4 months from now, and be able to legally adopt them 6 months after that (so 9 months total), but, realistically, it could take years.... even once you have a placement it potentially could take years for the parents to terminate their rights. Fortunately, God has got this very complicated math problem all figured out so we are just taking it one step at a time, trusting that.
5. OK, so now what? Where are you in the process?
We are in the very beginning stages. We have attended an adoption orientation meeting, filled out a parent interest survey, and have met in our home with one of the social workers from the state. (More on how that went later). So for now, we are just prayerfully taking the next step that is laid before us in the process knowing that just as God walks beside us through this, He is also walking ahead of us too.
Paul and Nicki
In an attempt to generate some conversation about adoption,"If you were to consider adoption, what avenue would you take and why?" Please leave your comments below and as always, if you have any questions for us, please let us know.
1. What country are you adopting from?
We are adopting from the USA....likely right out of Eau Claire county! When looking to adopt there are 3 different types of adoptions to pursue, all loaded with pros and cons.
International Adoption is often the first type that comes to mind for people. Some of the advantages to adopting internationally is little to no chance of custody issues after placement and the timeline is fairly defined (usually complete within 2 years). A few disadvantages is that the process can be complicated as the countries laws and procedures may change and the financial cost can be high.
A Domestic Adoption happens within the States and normally the birth mom chooses the family she wants to adopt her child. An advantage of domestic adoption is often knowing your child's medical history/family history and the increased opportunity to have a relationship with the birth parents. Some disadvantages of this type of adoption is there is high potential for a last minute change of mind by the birth parents and the waiting period can also be extended, unpredictable, and the cost may be high.
The third option is to adopt through the Foster Care System. The advantages to this type of adoption is the minimal chance of custody issues after parental rights have been terminated. The cost is also usually free or almost free. The disadvantages of adopting through the foster care system is the potential emotional and medical issues the child may face as a result of their situation. This option can also be unpredictable and get drawn out as you wait for the child to become legally free (meaning their parents have terminated their rights and the child is available to adopt). We are pursuing adoption through the foster care system.
2. Why are you choosing to adopt through the Foster Care System?
We are pursuing adoption through the foster care system because we see the need right here in our community and feel this is the avenue God is directing us to adopt through. Although it is a blessing that we don't have to worry about coming up with a significant amount of money to adopt, this had little bearing in our decision. No matter what avenue of adoption you choose we fully believe God will provide.
3. Are you looking to adopt a certain age??...gender?...race?...
At this point, God is drawing our preferences to children who are ages 0 to 5. We are open to a sibling group of 2, and have no preference of gender or race.
4. How long will this take?
Each child and situation is different and unfortunately, there is no cookie cutter answer to be found. There is a pile of paperwork to work through, a home study that needs to be completed which takes on average 4-6 months, and required trainings. In addition to that, once you are ready (licensed) and waiting for a placement, when a match is found, they must live with you as a foster child for 6 months before you can legally adopt them. If you do the math we could have a child as quickly as 4 months from now, and be able to legally adopt them 6 months after that (so 9 months total), but, realistically, it could take years.... even once you have a placement it potentially could take years for the parents to terminate their rights. Fortunately, God has got this very complicated math problem all figured out so we are just taking it one step at a time, trusting that.
5. OK, so now what? Where are you in the process?
We are in the very beginning stages. We have attended an adoption orientation meeting, filled out a parent interest survey, and have met in our home with one of the social workers from the state. (More on how that went later). So for now, we are just prayerfully taking the next step that is laid before us in the process knowing that just as God walks beside us through this, He is also walking ahead of us too.
Paul and Nicki
In an attempt to generate some conversation about adoption,"If you were to consider adoption, what avenue would you take and why?" Please leave your comments below and as always, if you have any questions for us, please let us know.
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First of all, Sarah and I are super pumped up about this. You have been a topic of conversation at our household and we are really looking forward to hear about your journey. Second, we did international adoption and that was a very great adventure like any type of adoption would be. For us it was the correct decision, for our next adoption, I (Jamey) is feeling called domestic at the current moment. I would love to see this come through the Foster Care system, but am still open. Awesome stuff!
ReplyDeleteWe are both very excited for you and can't wait to have kids be there at family Christmas, camping trips, etc. :) We are both very open to adoption, and I personally would love to go through an international adoption because there are so many unwanted babies across the world with no hope and no chance of living a full life. Either way, life is a gift and every child is a precious addition! :)
ReplyDeleteI had never thought of it..but I love all of the above..While reading the different avenues of adoption- one could take..I was reminded of a short story I read once- It was a about a "meeting" up in heaven. All the angels were gathered & having a meeting about locating a very special family for a special needs child..it spoke of all the special qualities it would require..I wonder IF the meeting was held yet..lol..(I hope you can find the story)..
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comments. Keep them coming. Our hope and prayer is not only that you would join us in our journey but also to create awareness for adoption.
ReplyDeleteWow- It is amazing how God works...I don't know how I found your blog other than someone on facebook..and it couldn't be more timely :) My husband and I have just started seriously praying over foster care adoption and were looking at how to get started...So encouraged that God sets the lonely in families and praying for you your continued journey!
ReplyDeleteFrancine Edmunds