Permanent Care process in Vic - advice welcome!

[MargOZ]

Hi, I notice there are other threads on PC which I wil catch up on but just thought I'd start my own thread to talk about my experience and to ask for any advice and feedback.

I went through 5 years of fertility issues and IVF before unfortunately having a hysterectomy in May last year, which was extremely devastating considering I am single and have no children of my own (and it all happened around Mothers Day as well which made it even more heartbreaking!).

12 months on and I'm doing okay but still feeling like my house is so empty without a child running around causing havoc! So, I have made enquiries with DHS regarding permanent care and had an initial interview with St Lukes today which went really well. The two ladies I met with were lovely and they certainly encouraged me to apply for their training sessions in July - which I've already done!

I know it is a long and daunting process - lots of paperwork and interviews and then still no guarantees. And of course taking on a child that has come from a possibly abusive/troubled home also has it's own challenges. But taking all that into account I am still really excited about the process and keeping my fingers crossed for a positive outcome. At least the process has started well - even if there is a long way to go yet!

So, I was just wondering if anyone who has gone through the PC process already could give me any advice or feedback - good and bad. Any advice on what to do, what not to do and basically how your experiences have been, would be wonderful.

Thanks,
Marg

[HotI]

Hi Marg

One of my siblings came to my family through permanent care, and as an adult was adopted by our parents. Just wanted to wish you luck as you start your journey.

take care,

Kate

[lil_chookie]

Marg is there any specific questions you have?

I enjoyed the PC approval process, especially the education groups, so I am quite positive about it all. Except the waiting, the waiting to get to the next stage can really get to you at times.

[Fi Mack]

Hi Lil Chookie,

I'm also very interested in doing permanent care and am curious about the wait time? Does it really take a long time. I've heard adoption can take up to 10 years but PC is a lot shorter?

cheers, Fi

[lil_chookie]

Hi Fi,

Answered you in the other thread