When you begin exploring adoption in Georgia, you are directed to an 877 number to register and obtain some initial information. We called in late 2006 and received a packet of information in the mail soon after that. We contacted our local county DFCS (Division of Family & Children Services) and met with one of their case managers for an orientation meeting. We were told about the process, the things we'd need to do and the training (IMPACT) we'd need to take.
The only problem was our county wasn't offering the training anytime soon. We were referred to a couple of other counties to determine if they were offering the training and if we could attend. We struck out again. Finally, after making many phone calls, we were referred to Lutheran Services of Georgia. This turned out to be a very positive thing for us. They were offering IMPACT classes the second weekend in March. We were able to attend three very long days of training and meet the training requirement in just one weekend.
We learned many things during our training. We heard that children in foster care often come from abusive situations; physical, sexual and/or emotional. We heard that many children in foster care were exposed to drugs and alcohol while in utero. We heard that most children in foster care suffered neglect. We heard that most children in foster care are older (meaning this isn't the place to be if you're interested in adopting an infant) or part of a sibling group. We learned that these children are more difficult to place; simply because many people do not want to adopt an older child or do not want to adopt more than one child. We knew immediately that we wanted to adopt siblings.
Then, life got in the way. I had a new job. My hubby was dealing with his peach of an ex-wife. It just didn't seem the right time to bring children into our lives.
No comments:
Post a Comment