I adopted three wonderful children I had in my care as thier foster mom. They have been in my care for over 5 years now and I was able to adopt them 2 years ago. They are all special needs, but who cares, doesnt matter to me, I love them all so much, no matter what life tossed at them at birth. I have bee a foster parent for the State of AK for over 8 years now and I love it. I have had almost 32 kids in my home who called me "auntie", which was fine with me, I wasnt replacing a parent, I became an adopted relative to them and the families. Life is great with lil ones in the house, and be able to help someone who needed my help during a time of need in thiers.

Hey all, I just found this board! My hubby and I have a 14 year old son and we have custody of two beautiful little ones, a 3 year old and a 2 year old (both girls) that we hope to adopt. We have had them since Feb. 2004, we got legal custody in August 2004. Bama Karen

Hi Tonya, Go to your local COUNTY and they will have a foster agency there. Also there are private agencys in every area. From there you will be offered classes with all of the information. Most agencies will then ask for references, be interviewed, be fingerprinted and have a criminal check completed. It all goes very quickly. Good Luck Judy

That is sooo wonderful you have adopted (and plan to) these children!! My husband and myself have 3 birth children 17yr, 15yrs, 12yrs and we also have adopted from the foster care system, siblings 10yrs, 8yrs and a special needs child 5yrs. We are currently in the process of adopting a foster child (6yrs) who had left our home due to problems with his birth family stalking us 6 months ago but when his parents rights were terminated, he asked if he could come back to his family (us). With much persistance on his part, his wishes have came through and he will be our #7 child!! We did not get into fosterparenting to adopt; however, once we opened our home to these children God did the rest. I don't plan on taking any more children after this adoption for fear we would end up like the old women that lived in a shoe (LOL) but God may have other plans only time will tell. I pray your adoption goes smoothly and your family bonds in love. God Bless. Debbie Davis

much depends on when you were born-if prior to 1980 your records are most likely sealed and your mother must have given permission to be found. there is an international registry-online -soundex? i was born in 1954 in michigan- had to write for info and fill out some forms- cost me $60.00 for them to make the connection. it was well worth it!!!!!!!!!!