Need some basic info on the adoption process...?

Question

We are very interested in adopting a child in the future, but not very knowledgable about it...yet. We want to begin the research process, does anyone know the best way to go about learning about what it takes to be considered as adoptive parents,or where to find the best sources?

Answer 1

I know most will you give basic websites outlining the steps you would need to go through, so I'll just link you a website that discusses ethics.

http://www.adoptioninstitute.org/index.p...

Answer 2

Generally, the first step is to research different agencies in your area - you need to pick one based on how many babies they've placed on average, how long they've been around, how much they charge, and how their wait list/pool works.

The one we picked has catholic affiliation and has a max wait pool of 30 families so that every matched profile gets shown to every mother who comes in.  They are also fairly inexpensive.  

You need to decide whether you want to go international or domestic - there are pros and cons for both.  You'll need an agency for international as well - they make things run much smoother.

You also need to decide whether you want a newborn or an older child - and whether you're will to accept physical/mental challenges.

I know it sounds like a lot - but the best start is to begin interviewing agencies - they'll give you the best information for your area and help you make some of the more difficult decisions.  Make sure to interview more than one, they tend to have different methods etc.  

Good Luck and Congrats on the decision to adopt!

Answer 3

Go to a private adoption agency and ask to fill out the required paperwork for adoption and let them get you cleared to adopt.  The mothers of the children to be adopted choose the parents that they want the child to be adopted by.

The costs are about the same as they would be for a pregnency and delivery.

Answer 4

Oh, my goodness!  There are SO MANY adoption websites with a plethera of information!!!

Go to:

ABC Adoptions

PACT Adoptions

Adoption.org

Adoption.com

Answer 5

I love this site, I hope it helps get you started! http://adopting.adoption.com/adopt/getti...

You have a lot of options to consider- domestic or international, open or closed, younger or older, etc.  They all have their pros and cons, so I'm glad you're prepared to research.  As long as your home is safe for children and you are financially secure (you don't need to be a multimillionaire or anything) you will probably be qualified to adopt, but every state has its own requirements.

I wish the best to you and your future family!

<3 Kelsey

Answer 6

I would suggest contacting a reputable adoption agency in your local area.  Most agencies will be happy to discuss the options available to you and answer all your questions.  Because requirements vary from state to state, or international adoptions, and even amongst agency to agency, it is difficult to give "basic info" unfortunately.

I recommend Adoptions From the Heart as they made the process very clear for us.  www.adoptionsfromtheheart.org.  

Some of the information that you will need to know is that you and our spouse will be required to go through an adoption home study, criminal background checks, physicals, post-placement visits.  This is very basic info and I wish that I could give you more assistance.   Please feel free to email my profile if you have specific questions.

Good luck to you.