Look to your community and state for help with the adoption process.
You have decided that you'd like to welcome a child into your family through adoption. Expect the upcoming months to be life-changing and exciting. You will have many questions as you go through the steps of a successful adoption. Rest assured that as you take this journey, there are many organizations to turn to for help all along the way.
Guidance in Choosing a Method of Adoption
There are a number of different ways to adopt a child, domestically or internationally. Discuss with your family the characteristics of the child you are looking to adopt and how long you are willing to wait for that child. Regional adoption exchanges, local agencies and state adoption program managers can send you information on your options. Call and request the information, or visit their online databases.
Look to Your Community for Support
Contact community colleges, adoption exchanges, hospitals or religious groups in your community for adoption preparation programs. You will be able to speak with others in your area who have gone through the process.
Be Aware of the Law
Adoption laws vary by state.
State laws govern adoptions in the United States. You will need to become familiar with the rules and regulations of the state in which you live. The Child Welfare Information Gateway, through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, maintains a database of state statutes. You have the option of searching this database by state, territory or region.
Choose a Type of Adoption Agency
Understand licensing standards before choosing an adoption agency.
There are four basic types of adoption agencies for domestic adoptions. Public agencies handle the adoption of children in state foster systems. Licensed agency adoptions allow the child's birth parents to give up their parental rights to the agency. Attorneys assist with independent adoptions, and unlicensed agencies offer the least amount of supervision.
To decide on a type of agency, obtain a copy of your state's licensing standards for adoption agencies from your state adoption program manager. Find out what is required of the agency and what will be required of you as an adoptive parent.
Once you've narrowed down the type of agency you would like to work with, obtain a copy of the National Foster Care & Adoption Directory. You can obtain this online or by calling 800-394-3366. The directory will point you toward area-specific, reputable agencies, as well as many other valuable resources.
Orientation Programs
Attend the orientation programs of various agencies. Discuss their procedures in detail and ask specific questions. Compare the philosophies of each agency, and speak with other families at these orientations about their experiences and opinions of the agencies.
Tags: adoption agencies, adoption exchanges, adoption program, database state, licensing standards