Making the decision to parent another child requires much consideration. What age and background are you looking for in a child? How many years do you want between your kids? When should you start the process? When is the right time to tell your child? What do you tell them? Which process seems right for […]
Category: Pre-Adoption
Understanding the adoption process includes learning the types of children that are available for adoption in the United States and overseas, how you find those children (or birth parents), what is the role of attorneys and agencies, determining if your state allows for the use of a facilitator, what are the fees, time frames, document requirements, understanding the role of the adoption home study and post-placement supervision and the relationship between birth and adoptive families. Whether thinking about adopting or waiting for a child to be placed into your home, you may have questions, concerns or even doubts this will ever happen. The Internet has information, but local professionals and adoption support groups can help provide better information, support and networking.
How to Choose an International Adoption Agency
Deciding to adopt is a major milestone. Choosing whom to trust to help you achieve your dream is an important decision. Don’t leave it up to chance. The following steps will assist you in making the right choice: Every international adoption must be overseen by a UNITED STATES ADOPTION SERVICE PROVIDER (ASP). See the role and […]
Deciding Between Domestic or International Adoption: Part 2
In Part 1, we identified three areas to consider before you started the adoption process. By examining the type of child you hoped to adopt, the amount of background information you wanted or were comfortable receiving, and identifying any limitations on travel for the adoption, you choose your path to parenthood or to enlarging your […]
Deciding Between Domestic or International Adoption: Part 1
Making this decision is important at the start of your adoption journey. It will determine with whom you will work and insure that you are pursuing the right adoption path in building your family. Three issues are critical at this point in the process: AGE OF CHILD DESIRED If you are looking to adopt a newborn […]
Are We Too Old to Adopt?
You have decided to adopt and wonder if your age will stand in the way. But before we get to the specifics of adopting, it is important to examine why you have decided to adopt now. Did you delay parenting to pursue your career? Found your soul mate or spouse recently? Pursued fertility treatments for […]
Gender Selection in Adoption
You’ve waited a long time to have a child. You have hoped, dreamed and planned for years. You have decided to adopt and now the time has come to start the process. You always pictured yourself with a little girl, buying pretty dresses, doing her hair and playing dress up. He has always envisioned a […]
Adoption Application Form: How to Answer Questions about Your Finances
After careful consideration of your family building options, you’ve decided to adopt. Part of your preparation was researching the costs of adoption. Adoption can be expensive. By now, you may have spent a lot on fertility treatments. You may need to get resourceful to pay for all the adoption related expenses. You are prepared to […]
Do Adoptive Parents Provide Financial Support for a Birth Mother?
In the majority of states, adoptive parents can pay for “customary and reasonable” adoption related expenses. All expenses are reviewed by courts and in the case of interstate adoptions, the Interstate Compact on the placement of Children (ICPC), who authorizes a child to move from the state where they were born to the state of […]
What is the Difference Between a Public and Private Adoption Agency?
PUBLIC AGENCY ADOPTION Public adoption agencies get their funding from local, state and federal sources. They typically have a foster care and an adoption component. Children enter the system either by a parent relinquishing the child to the local child welfare system or a local court terminating a parent’s rights due to abuse or neglect. […]
Do Birthmothers Change Their Mind About Adoption?
One of the biggest fears hopeful adoptive parents may face is if an expectant mother will change her mind about placing her child for adoption. This can be very painful for a woman who is suffering from infertility hoping to expand her family, or for a prospective family that has prepared their home for a […]