[pmblack]

My husband and I are just beginning the process of looking to adopt a child. We have 3 boys, but we would like to adopt a girl. We are looking for a little girl that is the age of 2 or 3. I geuss since all of this is so new to us, if anyone could help us with places to look for a little girl. And some idea of what to exspect along the way. The most important thing we would like to see happen here is find a little girl that needs a home, a loving family, and careing family. We would love to find her and give her and join her with us for a family full of love. If anyone can help us out and give us any information, please feel free to do so! Thanks Michille

[KDW]

Hi,
I do not know if you are willing to adopt internationally,
but China is an excellent place to adopt a beautifull little
girl. Also you may want to try Guatemaula.
Best of luck to you.

KDW

[maytum]

There are many ways to adopt a toddler. Domestically try the state for children in foster care available for adoption. You will need to complete some type of parenting classes to prepare you for possible issues and to be a foster-to-adopt parent.
You will need to get a homestudy completed for any type of adoption. Look in the phone book and ask friends for a recommended agency/socialworker who is licensed to do homestudies.
Another possible need will be a profile letter or photo album and how these should be done varies but be willing to spend some money to make it the best possible -- this is your first impression to a birthmother. It is possible to match with a birthmother over the phone.
You can choose to do an independent adoption where you do the networking to find the birthmother, setting up a website, etc.
or you can hire an agency/facilitator/networker to help.
Mary

[Linny]

*****Please remember that recommendations of specific agencies/facilitators and attorneys is not allowed on the forum.....
These recommendations may be 'pm-ed' to individuals, instead.
I'm sure you mean well.....but it has become a policy of the entire forum.********

Before you decide to adopt an older child....I would strongly encourage you to do a lot of homework in regards to the issues that accompany 'older child adoptions'. (And yes, even a toddler is considered an 'older child'.)

Going overseas might be of great benefit to do so. However, to adopt through the foster/adopt program...to adopt a child that has been through the foster care system....means that the child will have issues. This cannot be ignored.

And...with that......it is extremely important for the adoptive couple to realize this fact before bringing home a child to join the rest of the family. This does not mean a successful adoption can't be done.....but it does mean the family must be prepared to 'parent' in a totally different way......willing to make considerable changes within the family unit.
I say this, because three of our seven children have been 'older child adoptions'. The 'youngest' of the 'older' had just turned three years old. After our experiences with older child adoption, we have returned to adopting infants only.....through private means.

Keep an open mind. Be educated (far beyond the basic state prep classes) and prepared before undertaking any involvement with older child adoption.

Good luck....and please feel free to pm me if I can be of any help.

Sincerely,

Linny