Last evening, John, Taylor, and I attended the Virginia Adopts Regional Kick-Off. It is a campaign from Governor Bob McDonnell here in Virginia. The goal is to match 1,000 kids with 1,000 families. It is a great cause and we were under the impression that this would be a good place to gather resources and information. While the night was enjoyable, I left with nothing more than statistics. There was no Q&A session, there were no tables with agencies waiting to answer questions. After we left, I was SO frustrated!! They talked about these kids not having families and how they were starting this campaign to give them families, but failed to mention HOW they were going to do so. Were they going to shorten the home study process, make more PRIDE training sessions? What was their plan? My frustration got the best of me and I decided to write a message to the Virginia Adopts facebook page...This was the message:
While the stories at the regional event were heart-touching, and the statistics were eye-opening, I don't feel like I left with any information about what the next step is or HOW you plan on getting these children adopted. What changes are being made? There was no time for Q&A and at the end it was just, "If you work for an agency or dss then come stand up here." My family is wanting to add an older child to our family. We want to move forward NOW! But there was no info on how to do that and the last time I spoke to the dss they didn't know when the next PRIDE training was going to be.I was told, "maybe September/October timeframe.We will mail you something." We missed the last PRIDE training because my husband unexpectedly got sent underway. There is a child who's picture speaks to our whole family and I feel like we are spinning our wheels while she waits. I commend that the Governor has this campaign in motion. I just feel like there should be more useful information for people who KNOW they want to adopt from the foster care system and so badly want to move forward.
So there ya have it....frustrations verbalized. What happened next TRULY shocked me!! I received an email this morning from someone with the Office of the Governor! It stated that after reading my facebook post that he would like to speak to me and asked for my number and a good time to call me! I thought for sure I was in trouble!! So in response to his email I sent this
While the meeting last night was enjoyable, I left without any solid information. It was said that things were changing to help get these 1000 kids adopted. What is changing? The process? The fact that months go by between PRIDE training sessions, leaving potential parents waiting?
We would love nothing more than to bring a child HOME for Christmas. But we are realistic in our expectations while we continue to wait.
I look forward to speaking with you.
Very Respectfully,
Rochele Mickey
SOOOO about 5 minutes later, I got a call from a special assistant with the Office of the Governor. He wanted to hear my story and concerns. We spoke at length. He said he cannot promise me any miracles, but he would see if there was any way to fast-track things. He also asked for the child's information that we are interested in.
If you pray, please pray for us. For progress for our family, for the Virginia Adopts Campaign, and for our child...wherever he or she may be.
Oh yeah and this child that has spoken to our hearts....is a she ;-)
Until next time my friends....
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