[vernellinnj]

Just a quick note to say I spoke, again, with the national agency which a few other singles have used - particularly GA singles.

The NJ office has only had 1 domestic AA single parent adoption in the last 7 years. The parent was a caucasian woman- she adopted an AA infant.

Your thoughts?

[dine]

I'm not single, but I used the same agency. It's my understanding that singles adopt AA babies in this office pretty regularly. The difference may be due to the higher rate of AA placements in this area. Don't let it discourage you, though. I don't see why you can't be the second single to adopt in 7 years in that office.

[vernellinnj]

Dine -

I sent you a PM.

[SavannahGirl]

I used the same agency and office as dine. The office that we used has placed quite a few infants with single adoptive parents. The SW was really good about introducing me to other singles when I was visiting the office or at an agency event. So I've met or communicated with several single AA women who have adopted. She called me recently to ask me to speak with one who is currently going through the process. As a single, I have had a positive experience using this agency.

If we are talking about the same agency, they have several offices in NY/NJ. Do you think that the demographics of the area served by that particular office could be a factor? The other offices may had more single parent placements.

Also the cost of living is lower here which may make private adoption more affordable for singles. Do you think that other singles in your area may opt to adopt through DFCS because higher cost of living expenses make it more difficult to come up with the adoption fees.

Just throwing out some thoughts. Given my personal experience, I am suprised that there have been no placements with AA women at a NJ office in seven years.

Good luck in your search for an agency.

[BethanyB]

You may want to change agencies. I am single and was going to adopt through Adoptions from the Heart in NJ. But because of the expense of the adoption (even though AA adoptions were less expensive than CC or Hispanic adoptions) and then having to pay for all the things kids need (daycare-ouch!, diapers, clothes, toys, formula) I decided to adopt through the state. I paid nothing and am close to finalization on two children. I got both my kids at birth. Both were exposed to drugs but both were totally healthy at birth. Because they are considered special needs (because they are black and are in need of homes for black infants) they have most of their daycare paid for and I get a stipend for them each month until they are 18. Of course fost/adopt is risky but it worked for me. There are a lot of AA infants that need placements from the state and they don't discriminate against singles or gays or lesbians. Just something to think about.

If you don't live in NJ though, I don't think you would qualify for these children because their bmom's rights have not been terminated and they are not freed for adoption YET.

[jadasfostermom]

Hi,

I am with the same agency as dine and savannahgirl and they are successful with single adoption. Matter of fact, our profile was presented yesterday to a birthmom along with the profile of a single adoptive parent. And the birthmom selected the single adoptive parent. She said she liked the fact that the single adoptive parent had lots of experiene with kids. So don't be discouraged. We never know what attracts the birthmoms to profiles and being single could be the attraction.
Good Luck

[vernellinnj]

Thanks for the encouragement. I am in NJ. And, I have taken quite a few suggestions from each of you.


1. Going to an agency info session with the agency that Dine and Savannah used BUT going to attend a session in the Philly area. This branch has more single parent placements. Also would work well for me as I am in Philly all the time (my family is there).

2. Attending a session as Adoptions From The Heart in a few weeks.

3.Really researching the NJ Fost/Adopt program - specifically doing research on Drug addicted, drug exposed, FAS, etc.

4. Continuing to research, research, research!

Again,
Thanks

[playfun]

Hello all, I adopted my son in NJ yhree years ago without a problem. The agency in Voorhees NJ have many children that need families. I am planning on adopting a new born if possible when I move to Virginia but I have looked on computer and it says no children, newborns or younger children available for adoption. This must be a mistake. Anyone knows of a website so I can just get example of process in VA?

Thanks,
Pam http://forums.adoption.com/images/icons/icon_heart.gif A LOT OF LOVE TO GIVEhttp://forums.adoption.com/images/icons/icon_heart.gif