We're legal

Our social worker just emailed me our completed Home Study, so we're now legally able to adopt in the state of Kansas. If the baby had come before this was finished, as almost happened, the judge could've granted us temporary custody. But now we don't have to worry about that.

I immediately sent the Home Study over to Hand in Hand Adoption, the place to which we're applying for an adoption grant.

As I mentioned before, we had a ton of paperwork to fill out. The Home Study is a somewhat streamlined version of what we sent to our social worker, though it's still 9 pages.

Here's the final section of the Home Study. Gotta say, it's a nice feeling to read our "official approval."


EVALUATION AND RECOMMENDATION
I find the Miller home extremely able to provide for a child spiritually, emotionally, financially, physically, socially, and intellectually. They are a loving, stable couple who will be able to nurture and meet the needs of a child placed in their home. Both their marriage and finances appear stable at this time, and they have a good understanding of adoption issues. Their extended family is supportive of their plan to adopt and they are well equipped emotionally and financially to handle any special issues which may arise with an adopted child. I feel a child placed in this home will be well cared for and loved.

I highly recommend Donald and Erin Miller receive temporary custody with the plan of becoming adoptive parents to the child placed in their care as soon as possible.

Respectfully submitted,
_________________________
Phyllis L. Gilmore, M.S.W.
Licensed Specialist in
Clinical Social Work