Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What does the program offer?

Project Wait No Longer offers two adoption options for prospective parents: fost-adopt and adoption. You may pursue one or both of these options:

• Fost-Adopt – some children are in need of a temporary home with the long-range goal of adoption when they become legally free for adoption.
• Adoption – without hope of being reunified with their biological families, some children are currently legally free for adoption

Who are the children waiting to be adopted?

Project Wait No Longer seeks to find homes for children whose circumstances resulted in their being placed in public foster care.

Most of these children are between the ages of 6 and 17 years old and are of various ethnic, racial and religious backgrounds. Many of the children will have special needs such as medical needs, physical or emotional issues, developmental delays or behavioral concerns.

Sibling groups are sometimes in need of an adoptive home. Unless there are special circumstances, Barker strongly prefers to maintain children’s family ties by placing siblings in the same adoptive home.

Who is eligible to adopt?

Barker is seeking couples and singles of any age who have an unconditional commitment to provide permanency for older youth. Barker welcomes all inquiries.

What does the pre-adoption group training involve?

The required training consists of 24 hours of specialized training and 3 hours of CPR. Classes are held throughout the year (see our Calendar for upcoming trainings). The training period usually lasts 4-6 weeks.

During the training sessions you will have the opportunity to:

• Learn details about Fost-Adopt and Adoption
• Learn about the specific issues related to older child adoption
• Ask questions and address any concerns you may have
• Consider or confirm your commitment to the program
• Meet other families who also are considering adopting an older child

Issues addressed in the training relevant to older child adoption include:

• Attachment and bonding
• Impact of abuse and neglect on childhood development
• Transitioning the child from foster care to an adoptive home
• Educational advocacy
• Grief and loss issues for the child
• Behavioral challenges
• Transracial and transcultural adoption

You will also meet and hear from families who have successfully adopted children from the public foster care.

Do I attend training even if I’m not ready to make a decision?

The training is specifically designed to educate, and to address the joys and challenges particular to older child adoption.

While many who attend the training have made the decision to proceed, you need not make the commitment in order to take the training. The classes are designed to help you to take the next steps. This can be a wonderful opportunity to ask questions and discuss concerns with adoption professionals and to meet other families who are considering adopting an older child.

What’s involved in the home study?

A home study for Fost-Adopt and/or Adoption is required of all prospective adoptive parents. It consists of a series of interviews with a knowledgeable and caring social worker, who will assist you in making informed decisions related to parenting an older child. The home study generally takes 8-12 weeks after the requisite paperwork is completed.

What sets The Barker Foundation and Project Wait No Longer apart from other agencies?

The Barker Foundation upholds a philosophy of excellence and continual care throughout the adoption process.

We have a strong history of pre-adoption education and preparation for prospective adoptive parents, as well as on-going support through our Department of Family and Post-Adoption Services. Dedicated and experienced adoption consultants are available to answer your questions, discuss any concerns and provide support.

Additionally, our partnership with public social service agencies in meeting the needs of older children, as well as the preparation and support we provide to families and children are integral to the strength of this program.

How do I get started?

The first step is to contact the Director of the program, Tabitha Kelly. Tabitha will provide information on Project Wait No Longer, inform you of upcoming trainings and information sessions, and answer questions you may have.

Making the decision to adopt an older child is a very exciting one and we want to provide you with the information and assistance to help you and your family in the decision-making process.

You can contact Tabitha at 301/664-9664 or tkelly@barkerfoundation.org.