Prep Group day 1

Two entries in a week....this must be moving.
Today was the first day of the Preparation Group.  We were both a little excited and nervous as we made our way to the training venue, still pretty much unsure what we were letting ourselves in for or who would be there.  The first surprise was that of the 14 prospective adopters 6 were gay/lesbian.   The group consisted of an officer of the law, a BA worker, 2 GP's, 2 social worker, a stay at home Mum not to mention a nurse and an events organiser.  There were also 2 single adopters.  It just proves how this process involves people from all walks of life but with one common goal....to love a child.

We learnt about what we would encounter over the next 3 sessions and had a chance to work together on case studies based on the situations of some children and how they could come to care, or alternatively ways that they could be returned to there family.  They dispelled some myths about adoption figures and the scary nature of the assessment process.  I suppose we'll soon find out if they are telling the truth.  AND MAJOR SPANNER IN THE WORKS...(that was a little over dramatic)...we were told today that when we finally get approved we will be approved to 'adopt' and not just to adopt a particular number of children or gender.  We were led to believe that because we originally said a boy that that was all we were going to be concidered for.  It turns out that is not the case.  So whereas we have been stuck in the mindset that we would become fathers to a little boy, it now seems equally likely that would could bring home a little girl.  Either way, we would both be over the moon.

We also have a presentation from a chap who, with his parent, had adopted a little girl.  It was great to hear first hand about the process and the emotions.  He brought along the first photo he ever saw of his daugther and a photo album of her first year with her new family.  It was quite something.

We also discovered that we will be introduced to our social worker before the Prep Group is over.  That means in less than two weeks we will have our social worker and the assessment will begin in earnest!

So now we have homework for the next session.  I can't remember the last time I had homework.  Roll on next Thursday.