Ever adopted a child?

Question

My husband and I have 2 wonderful, beautiful children, but due to some problems that I have from having our children we don't know whether we can have anymore and according to the dr's I don't have much time left before the baby parts will have to come out. Soooo, we still want more children and I have started looking into adoption. We do not have a lot of money, but do have a lot of love to offer a child(ren). If anyone could help shed some light on the costs of adoption as well as the best routes to go through to adopt I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks and have a blessed day!!

Answer 1

There are different routes to adoption, each with their own benefits and drawbacks.  I don't believe there is a "best" route to adoption, but rather, it's a matter of determining the best route for you.  

Foster care is the least expensive and usually the fastest program.

Domestic infant adoption is probably the most expensive and has the least predictable timeframe.  

International adoption probably has the most paperwork.  It may or may not be more costly than domestic infant adoption and may or may not take longer.  There is a wide spectrum depending on the specific international program, so it's hard to generalize.  

Please research each option carefully, while taking an honest look at your family situation and determine the best choice for your family.  Above all else, get the facts and make an informed decision.

Good luck!

Answer 2

no

Answer 3

My husband and I have adopted 3 young children through foster care.

Each avenue to adoption has it's pros and cons, neither is better than the other. You need to decide witch is best for your family.

Those of you that said routes other than foster care are filled with corruption obviously haven't worked closely to those involved in the foster/adopt program. If you have you would realize that it's not exempt to corruption. Take a closer look.

Answer 4

If your looking to adopt an infant in the US the cost can range from $12,000-$37,000.  Lately I have seen more of the costs at the $25,000-$30,000 which is ridiculous.  Maybe the agencies feel they need to hike the prices due to the economy or gas??? If you want to avoid all the costs sad to say some agencies will offer lower rates to adopt African American or bi-racial babies or you can check into the foster care system and in some instances the pay for some costs.

Answer 5

My little girl came to us last May at 3 !/2 weeks old, Domestic adoption through a reputable agency.

My advice is to do your research. Even when you view all of the answers in this forum, go beyond them.

Find several agencies in your area. Most times they host pre adoption group meetings. They are normally all day seminars that help you explore your options, as there are many.

Domestic adoption is far more popular than most seem to think. There were over 25,000 placements last year in the United States.  That includes newborns, older children, and those adopted out of foster care.  In most cases, your wait time is between 3 months and 3 years. The cost also varies, and a REPUTABLE agency, basis their fee on a scale. This scale depends on your family income. Our agency rates begin at $5000 and go to $15,000.  Obviously, if you're income, or dual income is above 100k, you will be at the top end of the scale.

International adoption has changed also due to the Hague Convention and the restrictions in place, mainly still in Guatamala.  Do you research here as well, some agencies support certain coutries, and others do not. In any case, most of the placements for international through my agency were about the same time frame as domestic placements. The cost however, was far more due to travel, etc.,

Again, do your research, read, ask questions, begin talking about it. If you are a nurse, there is a good possibiity that there are agencies that come to your hospital when birth mothers deliver, birth parent counselors. Possibly, you could find out some information there as well as long as there are not strict confidentiality laws in place, and I  am pretty sure that they may be.

Anyhow, good luck to you. Adoption is a wonderful thing.  I am so very happy to have the privelage of being a parent to my daughter.

Answer 6

Adoption through foster care is the best way to go, in my opinion. Then you will be providing a home and love for a child who truly needs one. Many adoption agencies are in the business only for the money. You say that you have a lot to offer a child; kids in foster care need what you can give to them. Contact the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) in your area and inquire about adoption through foster care.

Answer 7

No, but I will in the future. It's sad that there are so many kids around the world without homes.

Answer 8

We adopted our daughter when she was 5. She had been in care for several years before that. She is a wonderful child and I am so glad we made the decision, but it has been an uphill struggle at times because of the abuse she suffered when she was little. An important point to remember is that if you do decide to adopt, your birth children may need to take a back seat for several years, and it will put a strain on your whole family at times. I wish you luck and every happiness.

Answer 9

There are over 100,000 children waiting for homes in foster care, and it costs nothing to adopt them.  Domestic infant adoption, and international adoption, are rife with corruption, child trafficking, baby farming, coercion of natural mothers, etc.  I personally feel that the "best" route to adoption is foster care, because you won't be supporting this corrupt industry, but you WILL be giving a home to a child who actually needs one.  You can be virtually guaranteed that a child you adopt through foster care became available for adoption for a VERY good reason.  I wish you the best of luck!

Answer 10

Adoption is such a rewarding way to go! There are so many children in America's foster care system that are desperate for a loving family that is going to stick with them like a true family does. I wish you the best of luck, and God Bless!

Answer 11

I am in the process of adopting my niece and nephew, i have had both since they were born. One is 10 yrs. the other 3. You have to be very careful. the state got involved 3 years ago when their mother gave birth to my little girl (I call them mine as i have raised them on my own) and she was born an addict. When the state found out she was an addict dcs took custody of both children. I fought to keep them and the state gave in and saw that was best for the children. 3 years later i am having to do it all again because the last setting judge messed something up on court orders. The state didn't catch it, dcs didn't catch it and the lawyers didn't catch it. What a mess this has been. My best advise is to become a foster parent work with the state. there are a lot of kids that need help if only temporary. Plus it is easier to adopt that way and a lot cheaper because the state pays for your lawyer then. Hope that helps a little and sorry to vent.