[november2007]

My husband and I are at an adoption standstill. We are only able to adopt 2 children through our agency and we are blessed with one. Recently our adoption coordinator said that she has NEVER placed a second child. I was/am so discouraged, but feel it's best not to dwell on it. I am looking into alternatives. My aunt advised me to look into adopting a Native American child from Sault Ste Marie (because a distant cousin was adopted from there 40 years ago - yes, I know). I am interested in adopting a NA child, but am interested not only in Michigan, but perhaps Oklahoma. I am not a resident of either, but I need advice from those who are familiar with the process. I know things have changed dramatically since then, but I still have the desire to have more children and I don't know what to do. This may/may not help, but I am (though I can't find the documentation) 1/16 NA myself.

[eagleswings216]

I'm confused as to why your agency says they have never placed a second child?? I've never heard of such a thing. Sounds to me like you just need to find another agency.

[becky]

I agree...find another agency! There are plenty of agencies that adopt to families with more than one child, you should not be limited because you have adopted before.

As for 'targeting' a NA child, that may be difficult. Sometimes NA adoption is very hard because the tribe has to approve adoptions if a NA child is involved...and that can be complicated!

I would look around and find an agency who will work with you....there are plenty of good ones around!

[luckyshamrock]

If you are tribe member, you should look on foster care websites. I have seen several NA chidlren on the various sites that they are only open to NA adoptive parents. The children can be younger than 1 year old.

I would also find another agency.

[angel2bmom]

Gosh we just adopted in june and several times when we meet our SW for our 1 month meetings she has ask are we going to adopt a second one soon. I would definately get another agency. They should be encouraging you to adopt a second child not discouraging it. There's something wrong with that picture!

[Barksum]

I'd look up the ICWA laws. You may, or may not, have a better standing with regard to adopting an NA child based on your tribal affiliation. Adopting an NA child who is a member of a tribe requires that the tribe approve the adoption. National Indian Child Welfare Association (NICWA) - Protecting our Children. Preserving our Culture.

I agree that you should explore other agency options. It sounds odd that your adoption worker hasn't matched any couples with a second child.

[november2007]

Thank you, everyone, for the advice. The agency we are working with will only allow you to adopt in the diocese in which you live, which means that our prospects are narrowed dramatically. I'm looking into other agencies right now, although, I live in hope that I don't have to use another, and that we are the first "second child" placement she has!

[alys1]

I'm baffled as to why do you like your agency so much, that you hope you don't have to switch to another? Sounds like they're pretty determined to stick to a one-child rule. Many many other agencies are doing the best they can, and truly are open to multiple children for the same families. Including sibling placements. Does your agency never have birthmothers who have more than one child? If so, do they send the siblings to another family? (That's not so common these days.)

If you went with a NA child, would you not be working with another agency or another state?