Step 2: Initial Orientation

What is it?

This is an orientation meeting where you will be given a good basic understanding of:

• 1. Who the children are who need care
• 2. The role and responsibilities of foster/adoptive parents
• 3. The process you will need to go through
• 4. The next steps you will have to take on the journey

What do I have to do during this step?

• 1. Show up with an open heart and mind.
• 2. Ask questions and listen carefully to what the presenters say.
• 3. Take notes on things like:
  • a. What you will have to do to be approved or licensed as a foster/adoptive parent;
  • b. Who your important contacts are;
  • c. When the next meetings will happen.

During this orientation you may hear for the first time the real challenges of fostering/adopting. Things such as:

• These children have had a tough journey of their own
• The importance of birth parent(s) to their children
• You will have to go through background checks
• The length of the process

At this point in the journey, you may become conflicted; your emotions may come to the surface. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and be prepared to open your heart and mind to what is being said. You don’t have to make any major decisions right now. The only decision you need to make is whether or not you want to continue the journey to Step 3: Pre-Service training.