The kids have been with us the entire 3 years. We have been a family that long, we just want to bring this to an end and maybe adopt another. I'm so glad things worked out for you janesvillegirl72.

Adopting through Special Needs Foster Care is a rewarding experience but one needs to be prepared for an emotional rollercoaster ride. We just never expected, after everything else, that the paperwork would burn in a fire.

I am adopted and know the red tape, if you were that close as to be setting the day, forget the paperwork, give those kids a proper home!!!!!

Thank you folks. It's not a big deal, nothing changes, we are all together, we just want to make it official and have a big celebration party.

I just wanted to point out that it seems like a story from Madison but it sure impacted our house. We are still in disbelief.

I did receive an IM from my 13 year old (soon to be adopted) daughter earlier today and she said:

"u know dad I'm not that bummed, it's just going to take a little longer, that's okay. God is teaching us a whole lot of patience. after this nothing will bother us"

She's right of course.

Maxdetail: I feel very badly for you. Somehow, something will happen to make your dream come true. In the meantime, just keep loving those children ... you are a miracle to them.

Maxdetail,
So sorry to hear about the loss of all the paperwork for your case. I can't imagine how frustrated you must be, especially when you've been through so much already. All of these hurdles will make it just that much sweeter once everything is finished and the kids are finally yours. Hang in there.

This is too weird.

Yesterday our case worker came to our house and we signed and went through a mountain of paperwork for each of the three kids we've been waiting 3 years to adopt. She forgot the paperwork that we need to bring to the courthouse but said she would send it out today. These papers would direct the court to set the adoption day sometime within the next 90 days but it's usually only 30 days.

Each of the kids have a 10 inch thick packet of info on them - birth certificates, histories, medical records, foster homes, visitation minutes. Together there are two 6 foot high stacks of files regarding this complicated case.

All our paperwork was in that building including the papers we signed, and were to sign, birth certificates, records, histories, everything pertaining to our case.

Our caseworker doesn't even know what to do now. All the paperwork needs to be replaced, birth certificates applied for from the localities where they were born. Needless to say we are looking at another long delay and we were sooooo close.

So that's how this fire has discouraged one local family.