[tlc4you2]

Hello my name is Tonya and my husband and I wish to adopt a baby , we have received some informational brochures through the mail but are so confused. We do not know what the first step would be ? Also I have heard everyone talk about getting a homestudy done, I do not know what this is or how I go about getting one. I am eager to offer a child my love and would like to get started right away so please can someone help me.

Thanks

[tobeafamily]

Hi Tonya,

First, head to the library and read everything you can on adoption. A good starter book is "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Adoption".

There are generally three ways to adopt:

1. International - adopting a child from another country
2. Domestic parental placement - AKA "Private" - adopting an infant, typically at birth, bioligical parents place the child directly with you or through an agency
3. Domestic waiting child/foster care adoption - where you adopt a child currently in the custody of the state.

Each has its' own benefits and risks. There is no one 'best way' to adopt, only a best way for you.

You should also be asking yourselves questions like this:

1. How important is it that your child share your ethnic heritage?
2. How important is it that your child be an infant at time of placement?
3. How willing/able are you to travel, with or without notice?
4. How much are you prepared to spend in fees and expenses?
5. How prepared are you to parent a child who may have been exposed to abuse, neglect, institutionalization, known or unknown at time of placement?
6. How comfortable are you sharing your values, beliefs, lifestyle with people who are strangers or whom you don't know well?

HTH, best of luck.

Regina

[rredhead]

Hi!

I highly recommend the following books. My husband and I are in the home study process right now, and we are so thankful that we read so much!

Is Adoption for You : The Information You Need to Make the Right Choice
The Essential Adoption Handbook
The Adoption Resource Book
Adopting in America: How to Adopt Within One Year
The Complete Adoption Book

Also, books by Christine Adamec and Lois Melina are generally accepted as good reads.

The first step is researching and choosing which type and format of adoption you want. Then, you look for an agency, facilitator, or attorney that meets your needs/requirements. Then comes the home study, which my husband and I are doing now. That consists of a ton of paperwork, medical reports, criminal backgrounds, and so on.

Good luck & God bless,
Robyn C.

[Hoping4ababy]

Tonya, along with reading books on adoption, I would make an appointment with an adoption attorney. He/she will be able to guide you down the right path.

Good Luck!
Kenna
Hoping4ababy

[ALI143]

I was where you are at a couple of years ago. I new I didn't need the newborn experience this time (though I had it with my two sons and it is priceless) so I thought China or Vietnam, 0-15 years old or through our state. So I read on www.nwae.org that I needed something called a Homestudy. I opened the phone book went to the very last page all the way to this plain ad that said Homestudies. I called and they asked me questions; how many bedrooms do you have, ages, races, current children in the home, who has income, ect. Then I asked them questions; how much for Hoomestudy? He kinda snickered at me and said, "It's free, everything is free, infact before the adoption is finalized you'll get money." It turns out it was an 1-800 # for our state's general adoption information.

I'm glad you'll be better educated before deciding-lol