Prep course been cancelled

[Broodymomma]

Aghhhhh. Just had a call to say our prep course due to start on 16th aug has been cancelled due to too many people pulling out and it's now just down to us and another couple. Am totally gutted but fully understand there is no point doing it with only 2 couples.

The lady did say that they are going to try get permission to let us formally apply now and get things moving with the home study then do the prep course at a later date. I am happy with this but nervous that the prep course would have been beneficial to do prior to starting the home study. So frustrated!!!

Oh that's so frustrating for you.

The main thing I got from the prep course was some fantastic friends and some help in understanding things from the child's point of view.

It will be great if your SW can start your home study sooner as we had to wait 6 months after our course to start the form f.

Good Luck

Hi there, what a pain and I hope this helps...
For us, nothing can replace the experience we had from meeting others who had adopted already and the time my DH and I discussed different scenarios. The major step for us was realising confidence in our abilities and what we had to give as individuals and a couple. So I wonder if I were in your shoes what would I do.... and unless the next course is only 1 month away I would be clammering to start the home study. Perhaps some compromise could be made. Could they arrange for you to meet a couple (or two!) who had adopted to share their experiences? Maybe the other couple missing the course could join in too. Plus can they give you a copy of the BAAF Applicant's handbook 'Preparing to adopt' which we found really really useful? I am assuming your agency uses the handbook. If you go through this before the homestudy starts it could help you with the foundation I think you might need.
One last point to remember - they really must think you are right for them to want to go ahead without the homestudy - which is a chance for them to check you out too, so you should find some comfort in that, great stuff.
Good luck!

I meant 'they really must think you are right for them to want to go ahead without the Preparation course!

Thanks so much for the advice they are calling me by the end of the week with the decision so if it's positive I will ask for all of the above. There was no mention of when the next course will be I guess they have to wait until they have an adequate number of applicants. I was so looking forward to it and had loads of hassle getting childcare as the course fell the week my son starts school and he is on half days. That's one positive though I will be there for him every day he gets out which I was feeling very guilty about. I just hate thinking our potential child is out there waiting on us even longer due to all this red tape and delays. I suppose I better get used to setbacks and long waits!!!

That is very disappointing. However, it's a big plus that you will be there when your ds starts school and I don't think you will regret that.

Let's hope they do agree to get cracking with the homestudy. I don't think it really matters if you do prep course later - it may even work better, because you'll know better what questions you need to ask etc. In the meantime, I agree Wendy that they can give you lots of the materials as pre-reading, which will help you feel you're making progress.