Did you know? November is National Adoption Month! Check out this interview that we had with one of our foster parents who recently adopted through New Directions!
Can you explain a bit of your journey with adoption?
I had initially been looking into insemination to start to have my own family, when I was given the news that I was medically unable to have a baby. I reached out to New Directions to then start the process to become a foster parent, in hopes to adopt.
How long was the process?
The process was quicker than I had expected because I did the Deciding Together curriculum. I became certified I believe it was in the early part of 2021.
What inspired you to foster/adopt?
I had been working in child welfare since 2004 in various roles. I had always wanted a family since I was a young child, and after realizing that I was unable to have children of my own biologically due to a medical reason, my next thought was to foster/adopt through foster care since I knew there are so many children needing loving homes.
Adoption is a big deal/milestone, did you and your family do anything to celebrate?
We had a lot of people/ family attend the adoption since my son and his brother were adopted the same day. Since some important people in our life were not able to join us that day, we are going to celebrate with a party at a later date to ensure that all of our loved ones will be able to be there. The weekend of the adoption we celebrated with dinner, and doing activities throughout the weekend.
What was one of the most challenging aspects of the adoption process?
The biggest challenge of the adoption process was waiting. My son was freed in September 2023, and it took over a full year for paperwork to be completed and approved by other parties (county, court, etc.). There was a gap in the case being transferred to the adoption unit, due to staff training and other issues out of my control.
How did you know that you wanted to adopt your child? Was there a specific moment when you realized that you wanted to become a permanent home for your child?
When I first laid eyes on my son, he was just a week old in the hospital. I knew right there after holding him that I would never want to let him go. I, of course knew that there was always a possibility that he would be reunited with his parents as that is always the first goal of foster care. After learning more about his situation (family background), I knew that the possibility of this being a forever placement was greater.
What are you looking forward to most now that you have officially adopted your child?
We are looking forward to living our life, traveling, and not having to worry about the “red tape” of always needing consent and people having to visit our home.
Do you have any advice for others who may be interested in fostering or adopting?
If you are interested in becoming a foster parent and are worried or nervous about things, start slow, respite foster parenting is a way to get your feet wet and see if you are able to handle all of the bumps in the road. I also feel that having open communication on your needs, worries, fears and the good things is the best way to be.