At this point, you’ve completed preservice training, finished your home study and are now approved for adoption. Thank you, and congratulations! Now what’s next?
You are now in the driver’s seat.
First, you should be aware that if you are approved for adoption only, you may not hear from us much! This is because the decision to place a child in an adoptive home comes from the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
When a HHS adoption worker needs a home for a child, he or she will first look at a number of options, such as relatives or the foster home where the child is living. If that doesn’t work out, they will extend their search to include other families. So how do they get to know you and your home?
Here are some things you can do:
- Fill out a family profile form, so HHS adoption workers can “meet” you.
- Join an adoptive family support group. You will learn a lot from the facilitator and other families.
- Inquire about children on our website or at AdoptUsKids.
- Attend events in your area to meet HHS adoption staff and our staff
- Wendy’s Wonderful Kids adoption recruiters help find families for waiting kids. To connect with your local recruiter, email foster-adopt@fouroaks.org.
What if we’re still interested in foster care?
Here are some questions to ask yourself if you’re considering becoming a licensed foster family:
- Can I help support a birth family in their journey to reunite with their child?
- Can I support a child who I know may leave my home?
- Can I work as part of a team toward the best interests of a child?
If you would like to pursue your foster care license, please contact your Family Connections case worker for more information.