listeningtoparents.org

As I've mentioned before, we've been trying to catch up with everyone via phone calls and emails lately. In going through my unanswered email today I found this:


Jeff Katz has developed an online resource for adoptive parents: www.listeningtoparents.org. His description follows:

The Listening to Parents project began in response to a contradiction. With interest in adoption at all all-time high, why do so many waiting children languish in foster care?
To better understand this problem, and develop ways to improve adoption services, researchers at the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University and the Urban Institute conducted a national study to understand the adoption process from the perspective of people wanting to adopt a child from foster care. The report was released in conjunction with the Evan B. Donaldson Adoption Institute.
The report, titled Listening to Parents is the most comprehensive study of its kind, using data analysis, case record reviews, surveys of child welfare agencies, interviews, and focus groups to document and understand the large attrition of prospective parents as they go from their initial information call to the adoption of a child. According to the research, in a given year 240,000 people called for information about adopting a child from foster care, but fewer than 10,000 actually did so.
Listening to Parents documented the many obstacles parents face in dealing with
child welfare agencies. These include poor customer service, difficulty in reaching the right staff, disproportionate agency focus on screening out prospective parents, and bureaucratic delays.
Listening to Parents gives voice to the experience of thousands of Americans
who are interested in adopting a child from foster care and acts as a catalyst in making adoption programs more responsive to those wanting to adopt a child from foster care.


I've probably lost many of you in posting that but if you've read this far know that I am SO excited to read more about this study. I've met a new friend recently through email and telephone who is beginning the process of foster-adoption. It is so nice to connect with someone who is going through a similar experience! Sometimes it's comforting to know you aren't alone:) There are so many issues that are unique to foster-adoption and any information we can get helps.
Anyway, we'll update soon on the girls. Just wanted to put this email out there.