If you are looking to adopt an infant from the state, it is risky. I'm not sure what state you are in but in NJ we have fostering, straight adopt and fost/adopt.
In the fost/adopt program the children are deemed least likely to return home. There is less risk there, but it still exists. You are more likely to get younger children through fost/adopt. If you are open to race, which I think you said you were, you will probably get a quicker placement of an infant.
I was open to race and got a call for my two week old son three days after being certified. Real quick! He was a healthy AA boy who was waiting in the hospital for a family.
My journey with the state has been wonderful. I should have an adoption date any day now. And my son just turned 1 on July 6th. BUT not everyone has such an easy time with it. It can be an emotional rollercoaster! I would do it again though.
If you are willing to adopt an older child, you would want to do straight adoption. This is usually a risk free situation as TPR has probably already been done. BUT older kids from the system come with baggage that you need to be ready for.
Sorry, I just rushed through this but I'm leaving for an appointment in a few minutes. If you want to know more you can PM me!
