Adoption through "the state"?

Question

Hi, I'm interested in adopting a baby or young child through the state of SC, if anyone has any info on adopting through the state please give me some advice. I don't mind if you're not from the area...I just want to know a little more about the process from someone who's actually been there.

Answer 1

I can tell you right up front.  Be very very careful in adopting through the state.  Look up Reactive Attachment Disorder and you will see why I am saying this.  We adopted our daughter at the age of 4 and knew nothing about this type of disorder.  Well I am here to tell you that I am worried every day when she is in the house.  We are expecting a baby and we have already been told that we should have major fears.  VERY sad situation!  She has been with us now for 6 years and you would think things would have gotten better.  No just a lot worse.  We have been told by most professionals that she couldn't ask for a more loving family but that she will probably never have hope of changing.  GREAT!!  We planned on adopting a house full.  Needless to say we will NEVER adopt again.  We did foster care for 8 years prior to this adoption and thought we knew it all but guess not.

Answer 2

It is difficult. The state only focuses on reunification. I am in a situation right now where my wife and I have a had a baby for half a year and it looked as if would be able to adopt. An aunt has appeared out of the blue. And even though the aunt was deemed unfit by the state agency the court awarded her full custody because she is blood.

Only go through the state if you can't afford any other options.

Answer 3

My wife and I have adopted from overseas.  and have limited information on the states. I can recommend checking with your local DCFS (dept. of children and family services). They will give you information on adopting through the foster care system, as well as some really great parent training on how to deal with potential challenges that come with adoption. This training we received as part of the licensing to be foster parents. It is really worth the time.

We have adopted 8 children, (6 from Russia and 2 from Romania). At the time we had 3 children already and no one wanted to work with us here in the US for that reason.

Take the time to call DCSF and at least talk with them, you may be plesantly suprised with how they can help you.

May God bless you! What your wanting to do is beyond measurable value to you new child!

Answer 4

That is hard... is it a specific child you are looking at?  Do you know it they are "free & clear" or do you not have a child in mind yet?  If you do not have a child in mind then most likely you will need to become a licensed to adopt foster parent in your state.  

In WA... you first become a licensed foster parent then the social workers call you about cases they think you will be interested in.  Then it takes an average of 18 months to adopt them.  I have 2 little ones in my home and I am happier than ever.  

Email me with specific questions if you need more info.  Bless you!  All children need someone to love them!

Answer 5

My husband and I are adopting from special needs in Oregon.  What types of advice are you looking for?  Most likely, if you adopt from the state, your child/ren will have FASD, attachment disorder, or any number of other mental disorders.  There is a chance you will be adopting a normal, healthy child, but it is a small chance (don't let the state tell you otherwise), so make sure you are prepared for any eventuality.

If you've already gotten that far, and are just wondering about the paperwork end of things, or if you have other questions, please feel free to email me.  My husband and I finished the paperwork a little over a year ago, and are now just waiting.  I also have a friend who adopted five special needs children in Oregon, and I learned a lot from her.

Good luck!