AdoptUsKids

We adopted out of state and it went very well, quickly. We've found that the subsidy varies by state. There is a site online that lists the rates by state. You could google it or let me know and I can get it for you. Also, having adopted four times, working on our fifth, a two year wait is not uncommon. We sent out probably a hundred homestudies ... Read Moreeach time. Don't be discouraged. There are kids out there that need you. It's hard not to get discouraged. But, your phone call about a match may be coming tomorrow. :)

Joy, I am glad you had such a smooth process. My husband and I have been waiting nearly 11 months for our homestudy...still don't have it! It has been more than a year since we started this process, painfully agonizing! I keep praying for patience and believing that the child/ren we are meant to have aren't available yet and that if we are truly meant to do this, it will all work out, but it's really hard to wait!

Yes Debbie, I looked at several children online and in the case of one girl, her case worker in one state called me before even getting my case study and told me that the child was in a residential treatment facility and would probably need alot of intermittent admissions to mental health facilities for the rest of her life. That was certainly not ... Read Morethe picture painted of her online. Another child's worker told my workerthat this child could not ever be left alone because she was a firestarter, another child had cruelty to pets (I have 3 animals) etc. The online summaries need to be more honest so we can make intelligent decisions about adding to our famillies.

You know - another thought, there should be a universal way adoptions are done throughout the US with the same benefits afforded to each child. For example, in Texas our foster and special needs adoption kids have college tuition waived forever, books are paid for, and many other advantages.
I was told that if I adopted a special needs child from a different state the child would only be entitled to the benefits offered by the state they came from. That just isn't right.
All of these kids should be easily adopted out of state.
If a child is to maintain contact with siblings or other significant people then the child should get a travel allowance so they can go viist once or twice a year and stay at a transient shelter while doing the visits.
There has to be a better way of doing this. ... Read More
It isn't fair that some states provide very well for their kids and others hardly provide anything.

That is interesting about the agencies not responding to each other. I'm sure they would prefer you got a child from them and not AdoptUsKids. I have no foster children but I've always been interested.

It is mandated that children in the custody of the state, who are available for adoption for any amount of time, be placed on The NCkids.com website for NC. ANY child who is adopted through DSS has FEDERAL adoption assistance of $2400.00 per year until they are 18. This is mandatory and goes directly to the service provider. Example, my children... Read More go to camp each summer, it is for children with LD and ADHD and have a great time while learning. THe tuition is slightly higher than the adoption assistance, however, I pay the addtional funds needed. Many adoptive parents of children in the state agencies custody are not informed of this information. Please inquire with your social worker. THe blessings will follow

I adopted my daughter through foster care,we had her for 2 yrs an then adopted her at age 16,she was considered "special needs" because of her age,many people dont realize that adopting thru foster care is free the state pays for that so these kids can get a home

I know Ollie and her wonderful sons, they are living proof that you dont have to be "blood" to be a caring family. And also, it's not where you came from, it's where you are going!