Are We Ready to Adopt?

1. Research all you can about adoption. Do some soul-searching and figure out what kind of child you are looking for and how open of an adoption you feel comfortable with.

*Newborn

*Under a year (infant)

*Toddler

*Pre-schooler

*Older child.

Explore the options for each age group, and potential challenges associated with each.

*Decide what level, if any, of disabilities/delays you can handle.

*What race child you will feel comfortable bringing into your family circle.

*What gender, if any, do you prefer?

2. Work up a budget for adoption expenses. You will likely have expenses other than the actual adoption fees. Adoption expenses seem to be running between $6,000 and $24,000. There is really very little justifiable reason for an adoption to be over $18,000, and that is high.

*Advertising (newspapers, web links, etc.)

*Application fees

*Long distance bills

*Photocopying/printing expenses

*Postage - mailing profiles, etc.

3. Spend time getting to know your state's rules. Do they allow an independent SW for homestudies or are you required to use an agency? Research the agencies well. Check references. Go to National Adoption Clearinghouse .

You will need to have a homestudy done by a licensed Social Worker or agency. The fees for a homestudy vary from $350 to $1,500. A homestudy is usually good for a year then will need to be updated. Someone will come to your home, interview you together and separately, talk with your children a little, if you have any. They will go on a tour through your home. You do not need a large, spacious, beautiful home. They are checking for safety, adequate space for a child, etc.

4. If you decide to go through a government agency, you will be required to take their classes, and may be required to become foster licensed. You can check with your individual state agency to find out what their requirements are.

5. Are you willing to travel to the birthmom when she has the baby? Are you able to stay for a week or so to complete interstate compact, if necessary?

6. Read the articles below and gain a greater understanding of ADOPTION from differing viewpoints.

7. Begin working on a Dear Birthmother Letter and Website. Helps You will need access to some method of getting your photos on your computer (digital camera, scanner, have a disk made when you develop pictures).