Foster / Adoption Update

[ssmith1627]

Hey guys. Can't resist passing on some good news.

I've mentioned here a couple of times that my wife and I were fostering a little boy. Our little guy's name is Tyler and we've had him going on 7 months now !

Yesterday we met with DCS on what they're doing next with his case. The parents have been served a summons to court and we go back on November 20th. This is to go before the judge and terminate the parental rights for the birth parents. To put it simply, they haven't done anything to try to get custody of this child. I'm positive DCS would've given them more time if they had made any progress and were showing interest. But they've had 6 months and have done nothing that they agreed to do -- the progress block on the reports is blank except for the word "none".

If this does happen next month, he'll be in state's custody completely. 30 days from that point, we can adopt -- which puts us somewhere around Christmas. Couldn't imagine a better gift than that. It's not complete yet but it sure feels like we have a 99% chance now of getting him.

Thanks for listening.

Steve

[smc331]

That is wonderful news - I hope and pray that this works out for y'all. Please keep us posted...

[radhak]

As an adoptive-parent I (we) have followed your posts closely, and I think I am as excited as you must be !

That's great news - for everybody involved, even the 'biological' parents - they obviously do not have what it takes to parent this kid (or mebbe any kid), and he would have been a burden for them, and i am sure their life is tough for them as such.

For you on the other hand, he's as precious as anything life can get you, so hopefully your first christmas with him entails a really big tree - to put him under it!

Congratulations, and welcome to the miseries of parenthood (i am sure you have not yet looked at the cost of college, which is marginally higher than the cost of pre-school )!!!

[ssmith1627]

These guys, as far as I know, have four other children. They have custody of none of them. They never had our little man -- he was given up to another lady when he was 5 days old apparently because the mom was in jail or going to jail. He came into our care because that other lady ended up having mental problems.

We're still nervous but very excited at the same time. And yes, we'll have to start worrying about college funds and such. Maybe he can get a paper route when he's 4 to start saving ? haha

I also need to get back to work on that dresser I'm trying to build him !

Steve

[cgallery]

I could not imagine a better outcome. I'll keep my fingers crossed for you.

[Uncle Cracker]

Best of luck on this one... The court will see the light.

[tedkitch]

I'll speak from the other end of the spectrum. My mother was adopted into a very loving family and things were great. I in turn never knew my birth father and had an adoptive father.

I can't thank you enough for trying to provide a good, safe and loving environment for this child. I have so much respect and gratitude for people like you that take these children into their lives.

There is a saying that goes something like "You have to take a test to get a driver's license, but any idiot (with no training) can be a parent".

Thanks again,

[ssmith1627]

I don't know who could've said no to giving a home to this little rascal. He's been so much fun and has brought a lot of happiness to us.

Every time my wife leaves the room he says "where momma go?". It's a VERY regular thing. If you answer, he just asks again. Not really in despair -- almost to be funny. But now I've taken to answering him with "momma went crazy". I think it's hilarious......my wife, not so much. But now he'll look at her and say "momma caizy". He gets me as well though -- on Monday when I walked in the door he said "dadda cuckoo".

It's been wonderful watching him grow and change in just this short amount of time. So far the bed I built is still standing -- 3 months and counting....hehe.

Steve

[crokett]

That is great news! I too will keep my fingers crossed but it seems likely you will be able to adopt. My parents adopted 6 kids and with all of them by the time things got this far with the court, termination of parental rights was just waiting on the paperwork.

[Scottydont]

As an adoptive parent this story is very close to home! I wish you the best of luck and most importantly wish for the best for the child. Keep us up to date.

[JoeyGee]

Let me pile on and wish you the best. I have a great deal of admiration for parents that adopt. My wife and I hope to when our kids get a little older. My BIL and SIL are having a very tough time conceiving, but won't even consider adoption. Hearing that breaks my heart.

I am praying it works out for you and the little guy.

[messmaker]

My youngest girl is adopted. We clicked the first time we met. I cannot imagine her not being part of my family. She is a joy and a source of pride. I can only wish you the best.