Meet the Strickland family! They are a recent addition to the Wolverine Human Services care provider team. Like many others, the Stricklands have finally made it through the licensing process and are waiting to find a match!
Why did you decide to become an adoptive parent?
We wanted to have a son and we were unable to because of physical limitations. We wanted to give someone the opportunity to have a loving family.
What advice would you give to people interested in becoming adoptive parents?
You have to be patient because the process is long. Make sure you have all your paperwork in order and make sure this is something you really want to do. The child will look to you daily for love and understanding. Also, prepare as if you already have placement and do research. We did research about home inspections and spooked ourselves a bit, leading us to be over prepared which got us through the inspection with no issue. That will help you and your worker throughout the process.
What was your biggest learning experience?
Patience is the biggest lesson we learned. I had the expectation that we would have a placement within months. If I can’t show patience in the process then how can I be expected to show patience with the child? Children need patience in order to get to where they need to be. Now, I am confident that I am prepared to facilitate this environment.