Beginning the permanent care journey - Questions

[lil_chookie]

- I am concerned about my weight being an issue. I have a high BMI yet had a complete health check last year and the doctor said that I am in excellent health. I've struggled with losing weight since my daughter's birth. I don't smoke or drink. I have no health concerns at this point. Is it true that there are restrictions on weight? Could it stop me from becoming a parent of permanent care?

You will have to get a medical done. They will be more concernced with health issues than you actual size, but it may depend on how overweight you are. Your weight in KG's will go into the report that the social workers prepare and you will be labelled as overweight. The KG amount will also go in your profile once you are approved. According to BMI I am overweight, but I am physically very active and in excellent health.

- What fees are involved with pc? I imagine its similar to adoption. I cannot find any information on this. What are the approximate costs? Do pc parents receive any assistance?

There is no upfront fees or anything and you do recieve a carers allowance one you are placed

- I understand the application process takes a long time for pc in Victoria (The next information session is in July). Does anyone have any stories of how long they had to wait? We wish for a child under 4 years, and are happy to take on a sibling group of 2 under this age. We are also open to bring up a child/ren with developmental issues.

Once you go to the information session you will be able to send in an expression of interest. From there you will be booked in to the next possible education groups. There may be one later this year but you may at this stage be looking at next year. You could call DHS and speak with someone in the Permanent Care team who will be able to give you the correct dates. After you have attended the Education Groups (usually 3 full Saturdays) you will be able to submit an application. There is alot of paper to fill out, a life story to complete (approx 20 typed pages), medicals, police checks ect. Then you will be allocated a social worker. Depending on what region you are in, will depend on assessment times. Some regions can take up to 12 months to aollocate a social worker, some immediately. Once you begin assessment you are looking for anything from 6 - 12 months for approval. Could be quicker, could be longer.

If you have any other questions, feel free to ask

[mrst82]

Hey, thanks for all of your replies. Since posting this thread, we have been to an infant adoption information session and are this month attending training. Thanks very much for all of your advice! It's helped a lot.

I wish you all the best.

[lil_chookie]

That is fantastic! Enjoy the training. I found it to be so informative & interesting.

[Poncho]

How did you find the training Mrst82? Are you going down the infant adoption route rather than the permanent care route? (Or is the info session/training for both?)