How to network to increase chance of open or independent adoption?

Question

I am an adopted adult who would like to adopt a child or children within USA. We are already homestudy approved. It has been suggested to husband and I that we network in an attempt to adopt a child. How does one network for this reason. I've read about people who send letters to clergy, doctors and schools, etc. but I'm not really sure what to provide.

We do not wish to join with an adoption agency. We can't come to terms with paying an agency for the priviledge to adopt. We would rather use the $20,000 or so for the child's future (ie college, health, etc.) and not for the agency's profit or operating expense.

Please no nastiness.

Answer 1

I'm confused about what you mean when you say "The state in which we reside is not know for its proactive placement of children." Are you saying that they aren't taking kids out of homes and that they are trying to keep families together?

How about an ad in the pennysaver? Ugh.

Answer 2

There are several "advertising agencies" that do not cost as much as a placing agency.  Place ads in adoptive family magazines and newspapers in larger cities.  Also make yourself a  profile on sites like multiply, myspace, or facebook.    Also there are some agencies whose fees are income based and also websites who post children who are waiting to be adopted through foster care.

Answer 3

I have heard of people talking with their doctors, particularly gyn's.

Answer 4

So, at what point do you think, hey, (now that we're talking to gyns to see if they have some desparate patient to take advantage of), have we gone too far?

The answer is YES.  

Where does it end with you people?

Answer 5

We're not with an agency either - private adoption attorney.  We've joined myspace and cafemom as there are ways to network there.  We also made up business cards to hand out to folks with our website and our 800 number on them.  The letters to doctors and stuff - not sure how that turns out.  Where i lieve I couldnt see it working but if you live in a small town or more rural area - maybe then.  

Our son's birthparents called us off a newspaper ad - and thats how we are advertising this time around.  There are also tons of sites where you can create an online profile.

Good luck.

Answer 6

Have you tried your local DHS?  There are plenty of kids waiting for families in foster homes.

Answer 7

Network under,..................................... newspaper ads,magazines,yahoogroups,adoption sites,agencies and word of mouth.

Answer 8

newspaper, pennysavers, nurses, doctors, word of mouth is effective. Good luck