Michelle Carter is a lover of music, mystical sounds and connector of the emotional magic of sound in film. She and her husband, Ben, are the adoptive parents to Baby Z, whom they affectionately refer to as The Wizard. Michelle will take you down the road - ups, down, the passion and frustration of their two year journey to adoption with the help of Aviva Family and Children’s Services.

Aviva is a nonprofit, non-sectarian 501(c)(3) organization that believes that every child and every family in our Los Angeles community deserves the chance for a brighter future. If you missed it, check out pt. 1 of the adoption series here.

There is so much to prepare for when considering fostering or adoption. Having been through it from start to finish, here are a couple things that I think may be helpful to get the ball rolling:

1. Get a big physical calendar! This may seem silly but this will be one of your most valuable tools because there will be family visits, doctors appointments, multiple social workers coming to your home, trainings, court dates etc. We found to be a lot at times but ultimately all manageable. Having a big calendar that we could both see in the kitchen really helped us keep on track.

2. Prepare with having basics handy before you get your first child placement. You will be asked what age range you’re comfortable with and in those age ranges there are requirements of how much space a child needs. So even before that child arrives you will be required to have their room set up - a bed, dresser, closet and basic needs. Depending on the age of the child there are safety requirements like having a car seat or booster seat etc. These are all things you can start to collect as you complete the training process. Your social worker will give you a defined list of what will be required for each child’s age. Clothes are a little harder to get until you know the age of your child... but you can always get a couple things in different age ranges if you want to be extra prepared. And good news is, Target is open early and late! (Also, have fun with decorating their room! Make it a special place for this new child to come into your life and as you get to know each other things can change but it will be nice for them to have a safe comfortable place to arrive in.)

3. First Aid and CPR training. If you’re certified make sure it’s up-to-date and if you’re not take a class! This is required and some agencies offer free classes but if you want to save time and get your home study done quicker, I suggest as soon as you start the process take a course. And it’s great knowledge for any parent or person to have.

4. Start child proofing your home (age appropriate). Make sure your home is secure inside and out. This includes, baby gates (consider where they need to be if you are planning on having a younger child), a gate around a pool, cleaning supplies out of reach, alcohol is locked in a cupboard, electrical outlets covered etc. This is all stuff you’re going to be told to do but it saves time if you have it done before hand!

5. Get an up-to-date full car inspection. This report will be required as part of your package to become a certified foster adoptive parent.

6. Schedule a full physical and TB test. If the time is right, a flu shot wouldn’t hurt either!

7. Even before starting the training process you will be required to get a live scan (finger printing for background check). Your social worker will give you the paperwork and you can just take it to almost any post office or notary.

8. Make sure fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are working in each room and that you have an up to date fire extinguisher in your kitchen.

9. Prepare an earthquake survival kit with extra water/food provisions. And if you have a second floor, having a fire ladder handy is important.

10. Make sure that all the pets in your home have up-to-date vaccines especially rabies. This is a state requirement.

These are all basic (and some required) things that you can do before hand or while you’re going through the training process. And the more prepared you are the faster the certification goes. It’s also nice to have the prep time to get physically and emotionally ready for the new life you are embarking on. I highly suggest getting some good books and special toys (here's an inclusive books/toys list and gift guide for babies ) for that child or children to feel safe and happy in your home for however long they are there. And when you do get that placement and you and your child get to know each other then you can expand on what they like with their interests. And lastly, have an open mind and open heart ❤️

- Michelle

For families that are interested in learning more about fostering, adopting, volunteering, donating, or any of our other services with Aviva, please call (323) 876-0550.