On September 8th, Jon and I had a meeting with our social worker, and was pretty great!
We learned a lot about the process we're starting, and got a chance to ask all the questions that we had. We also had a lot of questions to answer that we had never really thought about before. Some of the questions were really hard to answer (prenatal care? HIV? etc.) and some where super easy (boy or girl?). But we got through it all in about 2.5 hours and then had lots to talk about on the long drive back.
We also got a (literal) mountain of paperwork that we know have to go through, fill out, and return. Here is a sample of what we have:
- Written daily schedule for all household members
- DMV Records for the past 5 years
- Copy of vehicle insurances
- Copy of vehicle registration
- Copy of valid car inspection
- Training completion certificate
- Copy of drivers license for every adult in home
- Financial verification
- Copy of recent paystubs
- Credit checks
- Marriage license
- Fire evacuation drawing of home
- Pets records
- Photos of adopted parents
- Health Insurance statement
- Fingerprint cards
- Background checks
- CPS form
- Sworn disclosure statements
- Medical reports and TB tests
- Prohibition of corporal punishments statement
- Medical care statement
- Home environment checklist
- Confidentiality agreement
- Adoptive home summarized facts
- Never shake your baby statement
- Medication policy
- Code of ethics
- Statement regarding weapons
- Release of information
- Discipline policy
- Pet policy
- Emergency response plan
- Service fees agreement
- Self reflection questionnaire
And that's just the beginning (did you really read that whole list? Good for you!). So, Jon and I are slowly chugging away at that. I'm currently working on my self reflection questionnaire and Jon just finished out "Dear Birth Mom" letter, which really and truly broke my heart. That man has a way with words.
We have also attended a training which focused on developmental needs of adoptive children at different stages in their lives. We also met several other adoptive families, some who had been through the process before. That was really cool because we were able to talk to them and get their input on several aspects development that we had questions about.
Jon and I are also in the middle of reading another book. It's called "Parenting with Love and Logic". It's not adoption specific. However, our agency has a "no corporeal punishment" rule, and suggested this book. We're about a third of the way through it, and so far I'm liking what I'm reading. When we're done with it, I'll post a review of the book.
So that's where we are! If all goes according to plan, our homestudy should be done by November, and then we'll be in the books as a waiting family!
Nikisha