Agency Update

The agency called today and asked us to sign up for their seminar.  This was something that we thought would be later in the summer based on what she had said when we met, but apparently they are moving us along quickly.  Our references also let us know that they had been contacted today with a questionnaire to fill out about us.  The seminar is June 14th and 15th.  We also got our first invoice which is for the application to be fully processed and signing up for the seminar: $700

They emailed us info for the seminar that details what we will be going over.  Here is what it said:

We offer an intensive training seminar to provide education and preparation to couples considering parenting by adoption particularly through our open adoption program.

TOPICS:

·      Infertility and how it impacts adoptive parenting

·      The role of adoptive parents

·      Birth parent understanding: who are birth parents and why do they look at adoption for their children

·      Open Adoption: developing trust and boundaries

·      Legal framework for adoption

·      Importance of genetics in adoption

·      Bonding and attachment: what is it and how to do it

·      Adoptee adjustment: what can parents expect

·      How to meet the child’s need to know and understand adoption through the developmental life stages of childhood

A panel of birthparents will also present their personal experiences in the decision making process, choosing a family and placement of their child, as well as discuss the relationship they have with the adoptive family.

  

Topics:

·      What is a home study?  When does our home study process start and what are the birth parent meetings, the fears and expectations?

·      Adoptive and birth parent relationships.  These relationships range from very open to almost closed, from supportive and positive to challenging and frustrating.

·      Written Open Adoption Agreements and how they work.  Legal issues and negotiating to win/win.

·      Portfolio building:  what are birth parents looking for, who gets chosen and why?

·      Ongoing contact and communication with birth families: direct or through the agency, how much, how long?

·      Fees and other expenses: how much and for what?

·      Special needs children and special situations: cultural and ethnic placement considerations.

·      Direct Placements. Foster care: When is it used?

·      Adoption finalization:  Steps in the post-placement process and finalizing 

·      A panel of adoptive parents will share their varied experiences in ongoing open adoptions.

I haven't finished our portfolio yet, but the agency said that was best because they would be going over how to build those in the seminar.  I think I will still get the pictures in order and get a layout done.

We're excited!  I ordered more baby gear earlier this week, just some essentials.  I will probably be ordering a little bit more this week.  I'm feeling very blessed and I know that everything we've been through has happened for a reason.  We were meant to adopt.