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How to Begin Researching Adoption
Author: Heather Slee
Adoption is a beautiful, and complicated, experience. If you are considering adopting a child, you may be overwhelmed by all the information swimming around out there, and possibly confused where to even start. Here are a few tips to get you started.
First, identify the kind of adoption you're planning on. There are many different types of adoption: domestic, international, waiting children, open, closed, semi-open, step children, relative/grandparent, military, transracial, special needs, and older-child. Once you determine the type of adoption you're planning for, it will make researching easier by being more specific.
Next, you want to make a plan of action. Not only is the process of adoption complex and labor-intensive, but so is finding out all the information you need. Adoption.com's experts give us a list of general steps you'll probably need to take:
- Educate yourself and your family members.
- Decide what type of adoption you want pursue.
- Investigate ways to handle adoption expenses.
- Select an adoption agency/facilitator and/or attorney.
- Complete an agency application form.
- Begin the home study process.
- Attend pre-adoption and parenting classes.
- Be matched with or locate a child.
- Prepare for your child's arrival.
- File a petition to adopt.
- Finalize the adoption.
- Post-adoption services and education.
Educating yourself is a logical place to start. Hit the library and find books and articles on adoption. Ask around for stories from friends and family members. Jump online and start searching. Some recommended sites include: www.adoption.com, www.theadoptionguide.com, http://adoption.state.gov/adoption.homepage.html. After you've armed yourself with information, following the rest of the steps will make a lot more sense to you.
Congratulations on the beginning of a wonderful, challenging, unbelievable experience. Keep these tools close to your heart and mind: Information, patience, and love. The destination is worth the long journey.
