[lucybee]

Hello Everyone-

After battling infertility and dealing with numerous failed infertility procedures, I have taken a different path in my pursuit of becoming a mom. I have been researching "adoption", both domestic and international, and I do believe I am interested in domestic adoption. But where do I begin and how do I know where to go. Do I start with an agency or an attorney?

I reside in South Florida, so Im looking for an agency in my general vacinity, although I believe an out of state agency can assist me also. Im concerned with fees and finances, as I have already spent so much money on infertility treatments.

If anyone can provide me with info, or their own experiences, that would be wonderful. I would appreciate it.

[organicmommy]

Ok, I am not in Flordia, but have a couple of questions for you. Have you researched special needs adoption? This is something that you can do, help out a child that is in serious need of a parent or parents and does not cost anything. This is the route that we chose to persue not only for the finacial reasons but also because these children are in a higher demand for parents that will truely care for them.

[JoanneFromNYC]

Excellent idea...we're adopting through our state (we just recently moved from NYC to Florida). We've found them to be very helpful in matching us with children best suited for us. We also are adopting special needs but not because they are physically disabled (which is what a lot of people think when you say special needs) but simply by being part of a sibling group and having emotional issues that will have to be dealt with.

[azfamily]

Dear LucyBee,

My suggestions to you is to begin interviewing your local agencies first. It's nice to know that you have someone local to assist with any of your questions. When interviewing be sure to ask the basic questions, what is your average placements per year, how do potienal birth mothers know of the services offered by the agency. What other state or local services does the agency work with for possible adoption placements. What is the cost, very important.

I would also interview attorneys in your area on their ability to help you with a placement and handle the finalization.

My husband and I are using a local agency ( Catholic Social Services ) and have also made contact with a local attorney in case we find a birth mother who wishes to not work with our's or any type of agency.

I hope this help. Overall read everything you can and prepare yourself for the waiting game. We are coming up on 1 year since we completed our homestudy and received our state certification. We have had 1 match that fell through once the baby was born. We know that there is a baby that is meant for us, so we continue to pray and wait.

I hope this helps,

Angelina

[Support2Adopt]

Lucybee, looks like you've already gotten some great responses. A couple things, when checking on adoption fees, please keep in mind that sometimes there are Birthmother expenses. Also, should you adopt a baby from another state, you would have traveling costs as well. I'd like to suggest for you to start thinking about what kind of situations you could accept and do some research on them. For example, are you open to a drug exposed baby? How about a bi-racial or different raced baby? Are you interested in an open or closed adoption? Please let us know how things go when you start researching out an agency or attorney. JJ

[JanetC]

Where in Florida are you? We live in Florida and are working with Jeanne Tate's office in Tampa, FL. They have been highly reccomended to us. Keep us updated!!