Getting Started with Adoption

Are you wondering if adopting a child might be an option for building your family? Perhaps you've always thought about adoption but are feeling like your life is in a place where it is time to turn that abstract thought into reality? Here are some
steps to get you started on your path to parenthood:

First, take some time to gather information. Attend information workshops, adoption fairs, and panel discussions that might be offered in your area. If you are fortunate to be acquainted with some adoptive families, talk to them as well. Most
adoptive parents are comfortable and excited to share their experiences with potential parents. I am a "book person" so I made several trips to my local library and checked out everything I could read on the subject of adoption. Request information to be sent to you by various adoption agencies. You are not limited to only those agencies in your state, many agencies are licensed to place children all over the United States. Reading through the packets will give you an idea of what the current world of adoption is like and the many choices available to you. You can access so much information on adoption and specific agencies via the Internet. This is great way to peruse programs and agencies, and you can email questions as you're doing your investigations.

As you absorb all the information, you will see that you may not qualify for every program and you will begin to narrow down your choices. Adopting can be divided into two main categories - International and Domestic. Within those categories, there are even more choices. For international adoption, there are many nations that place children within the United States and different agencies have programs in different countries. For domestic programs, there is infant adoption, open infant adoption, older children special needs adoption and sibling adoptions available. Some countries, agencies and programs will work with single parents, lesbian and gay parents (virtually all foreign countries will not place children with lesbian and gay families), older parents, families with or without existing children, etc.