[sifah]

Hi everyone. Here's a question I need an answer to. My DH and I are THINKING of adopting in the future. What are some things we can do to aid us in our decission and help us prepare for adoption if we decide to do it? Please keep in mind, we are from New Brunswick, Canada and also would probably be adopting from Canada as well, not internationally. Hope you all can help; thanks!
p.s. I also need help perswading (sp?) him we should adopt too...if you wanna help with that!

[JuliannaTeresa]

Read books and educate yourself of Adoption what the process is, and what you usually deal with with the kids!

Attend Orientations of Agencies, these are usually free and no commitment.

Both you and dh need to be in agreement of this. You might want to sign up to do Respite Care (an evening of babysitting), for other Foster Kids, so that you will have some knowledge of what is involved.

[sifah]

can you tell me more about respite care?

[JuliannaTeresa]

Respite Care is you give Parents an opportunity to go out to dinner, or some time by themselves without the Kids!

It gives you an opportunity to spend time with Foster/Adopt Kids without actually making a commitment.

Here, you have to sign up and be fingerprinted to do it!

It's a great opportunity!

[MNelson]

I have read a few books, and my favorite thus far for attempting to comprehend the *whole* adoption experience is "The Open Adoption Experience" by Melina and Roszia. It takes you from understanding adoption through the adoption finalization, and then onto raising an adopted child. It really helps you understand the whole picture, not just the narrow perspective that so many of us who have only been focused on conceiving have. It is written for both adoptive parents and expectant parents who are considering adoption, which allows both interests to see how the other might feel about each situation.