Another Blog

While waiting to hear back from Sacramento on our appeal date, I am getting restless. I try to find things to do to keep myself busy, but that is not always easy.

I created another blog, not one I will update to often, but one that talks more about us and our family. I thought I would share it with you all. You can share your opinions here on this post (regarding the other blog, if you would like to)

http://www.familythroughadoption.blogspot.com/

The Appeal

We did receive the denial letter with the attached appeal request form. We have completed it and it is going out in today's mail. Fingers Crossed that we get an appeal date that is not to far out. The Adoptions worker told me that she had one couple consider appealing their denial, and their appeal date, to go in front of the judge was not set for 8 months, so they ended up moving on and going with private adoption. Any way, I am hoping that our court date is not set that far out. As soon as we hear something, I will let you know. Thank you again for all your support!

The Letter

The licensing worker called Thursday night to tell us that the official denial letter was going out in the mail on Friday with the information about the appeal. I left another message for our adoptions worker. She called me back last night and we talked for quite a while. She is so wonderful. She told me a little bit about the appeal process and a little bit about what to expect, although she hasn't had any of her couples actually go through the appeal process so she didn't know to much. She said she does think it is a good idea for us to appeal, which to me was encouraging. I guess I was half way expecting her to look into "other options" but she didn't. She even told me that she will try to keep our case open as long as the department would let her. If they do have to close it, we just have to write in a letter (if the appeal works our way) to re-open it and she will gladly take on our case again. She was a bi frustrated because the LW never got in touch with her before calling me with the news. She said it should not happen that way, but what difference does it make at this point?

The letter should be here either today or Monday and we have 15 days to send in our appeal. We are responsible adults, with a successful business, we own our home, we are active members of the community, and we want this more than anything. I think those are good reasons to go for this appeal!

I spoke to the adoptions worker and she is going to get in contact with licensing and talk to the Licensing worker to see what is going on. She is going to call me back when she knows more. I will update when I hear from her.

Small Update

We have not received the official "letter of denial" yet.. but I am expecting it any day. I decided to call an agency that works with a few close by counties (recommended by a friend.. thank you!) I called and talked to the Social Worker there to see what she thought. I told her our situation and asked her if we have any hope. She was amazing and very nice. She said not to do anything yet.. be positive and don't lose hope with the county until they actually deny us.. because ya just never know. Any way, she did say if" we do get denied by the county to give her a call and we can talk. She said it is not up to her if we get licensed that it works a little differently when working with an agency vs. the county, but we could go in and meet with her and she is willing to talk to us about our options. So right now we are just waiting to see what happens.

Like I had said before, Danny left a message (two messages) for our adoptions worker, who approved us originally, to be sent over to licensing to see if there is anything she can do. She has not called us back yet, which is not like her. I don't know what to think about that other than maybe... she is waiting to hear from the licensing worker to see what is going on before she calls us back. I am going to try her again on Monday.

Not so good

Well the licensing worker called tonight.. apparently "it isn't looking like" they are going to grant the exemption. Because Danny got a BUI and DUI 11 (yes ELEVEN) years ago, we had to get a special approval, which they call an exemption.

We have been working with the county sense Feb 08'. We have gone to numerous classes, required and voluntary. We have gotten CPR and First Aid Certified. We have been through multiple hour long interviews with the adoptions worker (who we love). We have gotten all the records together for our pets, gotten the room ready for two lovely little ones, preferably a sibling set of two under the age of five. We were approved and referred over to the licensing department and then had ONE 45 minute interview with this woman who focused the entire interview about alcohol. We reminded her that although we go out with friends and yes we do drink on occasion, that at this time, we do not have the responsibility of children to come home to.

Her reasoning for denial is "lack of rehabilitation". Let me point out that not only did Danny go through all the required classes and pay all fines, and the fact that this was when he was 21/22 years old.... apparently that was not enough in HER opinion. And because she based this opinion after getting to know us for 45 minutes, we are being denied.

OH wait.. we are still waiting on the county attorney to agree that her reasons are legitimate. This means nothing! Once they approve her decision, she will call to let me know. Wow.. thanks!

At this time, Danny has placed a call to the adoptions worker, who actually took the time to get to know us, and approved us to see if there is anything she can do. If not.. then we have the right to appeal.. Hold on ladies and gentleman... we have a longer ride ahead of us... cause we are NOT GIVING UP!

p.s. I am typing this In tears right now.. I am so upset!