The journey to become AdopReady is often filled with roadblocks
“In this ‘internet age’, it’s time to dismantle the regional silos in which our current CAS’ operate. They need to develop a province-wide system in which communication, policies, and procedures are seamless – reducing wait times for children and awaiting parents.”
Carlos* and Ferhana* are a newly married couple. Their adoption journey began one year ago when they filed a Resource Application Package with their local CAS. They hope to adopt an infant or possibly a sibling pair through the Foster with the View to Adopt process. Ferhana and Carlos are apprehensive of the personal emotional risks of this programme, as it involves caring for a child who may return to their birth parents. However, this is the only path for adopting a baby with their CAS.
They are currently attending PRIDE training, but had to wait ten months to start the course as no spots were available. While the course workbook suggests that PRIDE be taken at the same time as the home study, their agency does not conduct home studies during PRIDE training. Their rational: CAS has limited funds and cannot offer home studies to everyone, only those who complete the course. They have no timeline for home study completion that is required to be AdoptReady.
Carlos and Ferhana’s biggest challenge has been communication with CAS. They received no confirmation that initial paperwork was received. They took it upon themselves to contact CAS throughout their 10-month wait for the PRIDE course. It took several calls and messages to connect with a worker who could only tell them that they are “in the system.” Another challenge has been ‘the wait’. Between the lack of communication and the indefinite time lines, they feel powerless.
When asked how they would change the system, Carlos and Ferhana said, “In this ‘internet age’, it’s time to dismantle the regional silos in which our current CAS’ operate. They need to develop a province-wide system in which communication, policies, and procedures are seamless – reducing wait times for children and awaiting parents.”
*A pseudonym has been used in this story
Disclaimer "These stories are the perspectives of awaiting parents. Adopt4Life aims to give parents a voice, and as such stories remain unchanged even if they may appear controversial. It is the hope of Adopt4Life that by bringing awareness to the thoughts and feelings of families, together we can work to bring change that benefits everyone."