Adoption Story #2

We knew, even before Lindsey’s adoption was finalized, that we would probably adopt again. But first, we had two big questions to answer:

1) WHEN would we adopt again, and
2) WHAT AGE would we adopt this time?

After a great deal of soul searching and research, we started the process of another foster adoption, agreeing to consider a wide age range. In October 2011, we submitted all the necessary background checks and information, and had a new home study done. That December, we were formally approved by the state of Georgia for adoption through foster care.

For the next year, I exchanged calls and emails with our caseworker about numerous children. We did a lot of thinking and had talks with our girls about who and what they would be comfortable with, but no child seemed to fit our current family dynamics.

We were frustrated and on hold.

When a year had passed with no progress and we were due to update our home study, we asked our caseworker to put us “on hold” while we made a few decisions; my dad’s health was rapidly declining, and we didn’t know what that would bring. In addition, I wondered if perhaps we were on the wrong path and should consider another type of adoption.

Despite the fact we were on hold, our caseworker called one day about a sibling pair she thought sounded like a possible fit for our family. I presented the information to Ken; we talked to the girls about it, and we prayed for clarity.

Beginning the foster-adoption of a sibling pair.

We met with the children’s caseworker and foster parents, learned more about them, and opted to keep moving forward. In February 2013, we met “Scout” and “Jem,” a 5-year-old girl and her soon-to-be 4-year-old biological brother.

We moved the children into our home March 1st. As it turned out, this was the day after my father died. Hard timing — but as I told our caseworker, delaying things wouldn’t change anything.

Key posts:

Finalization is just the beginning.

For the first few months, we were, on paper, just another foster placement. However, once we signed “intent to adopt” papers that July, we officially became an adoptive placement, which was a big step towards permanence.

In September 2013, we finalized the adoption. This meant, in the eyes of the law, the kids became as much ours as if I’d given birth to them. Although finalization is the end of the foster-adoption process, it’s only the beginning of our journey as their parents.