Whats the first step one would take to start an adoption process?

Question

I am a 27 year old single woman. I have never been married, never had unstable relationships. I had one boyfriend (besides HS, which realy shouldnt count) who I was with 4 years and we ended it 2 years ago because I didnt want to go through an awful process of trying to concieve my own. I am currently renting a 2 bedroom home, that I am going to purchase this summer. I make a very good income.

I cannot have my own, and honestly never wanted to anyway. Im just curious what are the steps to take? Where do I begin? I honestly prefer a child from another country, Im not ruling the US out completely, however.

Answer 1

I can only tell you what we did.

We went to Catholic Charities and started the paperwork.  We had the initial interviews, and we attended a workshop.

At the workshop, we heard all of these people talking about how they were going through a private adoption, and they had either already been selected by a birthmom, or they were currently awaiting decisions.

We had been told that we had a wait of at least three years because Catholic Charities isn't appraoched by birthmoms often, and they only work in-state.

We had a consultation with an attorney, and less than six months later, we were holding the child that we would be adopting.

We found our attorney through www.adoptionattorneys.org

Answer 2

Your first step is research.  There are different avenues for adoption and you should look into all of them.  Because you mentioned being interested in international adoption, I recommend the book "How to Adopt Internationally."  It is a great resource for outlining and explaining the entire, very bureaucratic process!

In addition to researching the adoption processes, it's a good idea to read books from the perspective of adoptees, first mothers and adoptive parents.  Get as many different points of view as possible.

Whichever route you choose, you'll need to gather official documents: birth certificate, tax forms, etc.  Sometimes it takes awhile if you have to order these, so you might as well get that going while you do your research.

Good luck!

Answer 3

For first you must ask a lawyer.

Answer 4

You need to do a lot of homework about adoption first.  And, I don't mean reading the literature from agencies whose agenda may not necessarily be the best interests of children.  Read real stories from real adoptees, real first moms, and real adoptive parents.  Adoption is not all rainbows and lollipops, as the media and the agencies would have you think.  It's complicated and it's life-changing.  There are things you need to understand about adoptees that most people don't know until waaaaaay after they have adopted.  Not that I would discourage you from adopting.  I would just advise you to adopt after you are knowledgeable, and know a little more about the whole picture.  That's my soap box.  Too many fantasies and lies floating around about adoption.

Answer 5

I would contact agencies in your area and attend an informational seminar. Some foreign countries allow adoption by single women and others don't. That would already limit your choices. For domestic or international adoption you'll have to have a home study done (although they are somewhat different). If you talk to someone from an agencies that deals with international adoption that can get you started. Or google international adoption  to see what the requirements are for various countries.  

If you go with domestic adoption you will have to complete a home study then put together a profile to allow prospective birth mothers to look at. It usually takes a little longer for a single woman to be chosen (just statistics, no fixed time) but there are definitely birthmoms who place their babies with single women.

Answer 6

Go to your local county offices and research. Start calling around and find out who you can talk to. I'd start with social services and just tell them you weren't sure who to talk to but you'd like to know more about adoption. I'm sure they'd be more than glad to help you. It's all about research and learning.