Where do I start with the adoption process?

Question

We are a married couple who really want to adopt a sister to our daughter.I feel like we are meant to find a little girl.It is just so hard to know where to start.We would like to adopt a girl who is up to 3 years old.If anyone know a good agency to help us,please let me know.Thank you so much.

Answer 1

Try foster care adoption.  Call your local DHS.  In most states, it's free, and there are lots of toddlers who need homes.

Good luck!

Answer 2

your local childrens aid society

Answer 3

Try the forums on www.Adoption.com  there are alot of helpful supportive people on there. ( a much nicer place then the angry yahoo board) im in the process if finding an agency also right now...

Answer 4

I would do a search under Yahoo groups for a group of adoptive parents in your city. I found a TON of information that was very useful when I adopted from China. Then you can post this same question there and find out information. Check the better business bureau. GET REFERENCES!!! I called about 20 different agencies before settling on one. The yahoo groups were the most informative though. Good luck in your journey!

Answer 5

Please, please start with educating yourself about adoption first.  I don't say this in a mean-spirited way at all.  Before you start looking at agencies, read about the real world of adoption.  Written by real people who have been impacted by adoption.  I know this is my soap box, and I keep saying it again, and again.  But there is so much propaganda out there about adoption.  It's made to sound so rosy and wonderful.  The fantasy that is being sold, is that couples can just take in this little child and save him/her from a life of horrors.  Then, once the child is in a loving home, a magical thing happens and everyone lives happily ever after.  

Please don't misunderstand.  I am not anti-adoption.  I am pro-education.  Just find out for yourself what the real world of adoption is like--from the real people who live with adoption every day.  It bothers me when I see someone say they want to adopt a sister for their daughter.  Don't get me wrong.  That sounds so sensible and so logical.  And I imagine you have nothing but the best intentions for both children.  I just caution you to step away from the fantasy of having 2 daughters, and look at the reality of adoption. Neither is bad.  They are just separate issues, and I caution you to work really hard to separate the fantasy from the reality.

Answer 6

Well, the first thing to do, once you've decided to adopt, is to look at the different avenues of adoption (domestic, foster adoption and international adoption).  I would suggest researching all options, each have their benefits and drawbacks, then see what makes the best fit for your family.  There are plenty of books to describe the process.  Speak to different agencies and your state department of human services.  Talk to adult adoptees and other adoptive parents.  Read books on parenting adopted children.  Generally, do as much research as you can in order to make an informed decision.

When looking at an agency, please make sure you are dealing with a licensed, reputable agency.

Good luck