FA-Another set of questions

Borst-Plotz

Sorry for being a PW! I just love all your guys advice and help, your awesome! Dh and I decided to alteast start meeting with the foster agency and see when the training, orientation, etc is.

What was your first step? I called and left a message before lunch and am waiting for a return call.  Did you ask questions over the phone, set up an appointment, have them send you paperwork to fill out?

Also, I want to compose a list of questions to ask. Any suggestions on good questions? And last, what do they usually talk to you about during your first meeting? Is it like an 'interview' or more just giving you information?

ctbride08

Our first step was attending a foster open house - basically an info session.  There we filled out our application (name, address, social, why we were applying, ect). They gave us very general information about fostering most of which we already knew from research and talkign w/ other foster parents. 

Then we had our home interview which was also an initial home inspection.  The social worker did a quick glanse around our house to make sure it was safe and in good condition - at this point we didnt have the nursery or any kid stuff, it was really just to see what type of house we had.  And the questions were "getting to know you" type: How did you meet? What's your relationship with your family like? What is your experience with children/parenting? How do you deal w/ conflict? Why do you want to foster?  What types of placemetns are you interested in? ect

it was very general and no-pressure.  At that point we had few questions such as how daycare was handled/paid for and what the rest of the process would be.  I think thats about it though....we had more than ample time to ask all the rest of our questions during training. 

 

lilmufish

For us...

We called, had an application packet sent. No chance to really ask questions there...although the application packet did answer SOME questions we had about the agency, etc.  

We sent the application back, received a phone call for an initial visit. This is where I asked *alot* of questions, mostly it was responded with, "we'll discuss that at your initial visit" 

We had an initial visit, which, on our end, we thought it would be a time to "inquire" and ask alot of questions, but it was more of okay you've jumped in, you need to do x, y and z to get licenced.  So that initial visit, was a bigger jump for us, than what had initially expected. But, in regards to your post, nothing like an interview...more like this is what you need, any questions? We recieved ALOT of paperwork at that initial visit.  We were so overwhelmed, we asked questions later

 As far as questions... 

* The process - each county/agency does it differently. Ask specifics about the process, and what they expect out of you at each step.

* To Do Lists - make sure you know what is expected for you to do, having it written out, and having it so you can cross of your list, makes it so nice to feel like you're somewhat wading through the pile of chaos.

* Time Frames

* Out of Pocket costs

* Parents Working situation - finding out if it's okay that both work, or if your particular county/agency requires a parent to stay home.

That's all I can think of at the moment.

2bWednDec

We first attended an info session for fost/adopt as well as domestic adoption as well as international adoption, to explore all our options.  We then were leaning towards fost/adopt and signed up for the classes.  My agency had no meetings before attending classes.  At the first class meeting, we stayed after and asked tons of questions.  As the above poster stated, every single answer we got ended up being wrong or just totally irrelevant.  At the time I thought all my questions were sooo  important but now looking back I feel all that was a waste. (i put hours and hours and hours into composing my questions). 

After we finished the classes, we were 100% sure we wanted to proceed.  I have to admit, the most learning I received was from adoption.com fost/adopt web boards (and specifically my state board as states vary on protocol).  After the classes we were told we'd receive a call within a month asking if we are still interested, and if so, they set up a meeting.  We went to that meeting where they evaluated if we were ready, they agreed we were, and then they gave us an application.  It was fairly simple, we submitted that quickly and then had to wait another month or two to be assigned a caseworker.  Once we were assigned, she gave us all the homestudy checklist items and that was a huge amount of paperwork, dr's appointments, etc.  Once we completed all that, we had to wait another month for them to finish our homestudy (in writing).  Then we were on the list! and got a call for a child shortly after. 

I HIGHLY suggest doing tons of research on your own.  Your best bet is talking to people from your county who have been through the process.  That is invaluable. 

Good luck!

pepomntpat

Our first step was to attend an orientation session at the agency.  We then took classes, filled out all of our paperwork, had our home study and finally got approved.  Start to approval was 8 months. Now we are waiting for a match.

I would not ask questions over the phone unless you speak with an actual caseworker.