[tem0627]

My husband and I just recently became home study approved and licensed in our state to become adoptive parents. We are very excited, but are actually beginning our process in the networking program with our agency until they have availabilities in their full program.

Has anyone been successful in networking on their own and getting word out that they are looking to adopt? We built our own website... and have asked our friends and family to keep their ear to the ground, but I feel like there is more we could be doing! I guess while we are in limbo status with our agency; I feel like I need to do something! =)

Any thoughts?

[jboschma]

That is great news that you guys are done with the homestudy. For me it was way easier when I was busy filling out the paperwork and had stuff on my mind. This stage was torture for me. It sounds like you are doing everything you can do for the moment. You posted this in the Christian adoption section so I'm going to assume that you pray. I kept myself busy praying for my baby and his family as well as trying to read everything out there on open adoptions (which is what we have) as well as helping with the bonding and attachments you will need to create. Hope you find some things to keep yourelf busy. Feel free to email me if you need to vent :-)

[Merdie]

We have had some success with networking. When our profile first went on the books, we sent out a mass email to family and friends asking them to view our website and then pass along our email if they felt comfortable. We had a contact a couple months later from my dh's cousin who was pregnant and was considering placing with us, she decided to parent but the only way we even had that contact was through our network (as she is a distant relative we wouldn't normally have contact with).

Our match has come through the social networking of another couple in our agency. They had recently adopted and gave the agency information to a birthmother who chose us, so our match didn't come from our direct networking but from that of others.

I have heard of people doing business cards, sending letters to ob/gyns, etc...but I really feel like family and friends are one of the best networks you can do! People will come out of the woodwork too with stories and contact ideas. Our email went all over the place and we were even able to connect with other adoptive parents this way! Good luck!!