[KDK]

I am hoping that someone can explain the steps of adopting a child. My wife and I are interested in adoption since we can't have children of our own, but we know next to nothing about it and what we have read is very confusing.

Our questions: Where do we start? Do you have to go through an agency, and is LDS social services considered an agency? How much will it cost, how long does it take and what are some of the criteria considered in the adoption process?

We would really appreciate any help anyone can give us in this.

[BrandyHagz]

KDK,

I’ll try as best as I can to answer your questions.

You didn’t indicate what type of adoption you were interested in…so I’ll hit the basics for the ‘big three’.

Regardless of what kind of adoption you plan to do, you need to find out what the laws are in your state regarding adoption. Some states have requirements on what you need in order to adopt – such as length of marriage, length of time in state, pre-approval from a judge to adopt or if an agency is required or not allowed in your state.

The best way to find out what the laws are is to talk to a local adoption attorney.

Some of the steps you’ll need to take to adopt are:

Decide what type of adoption you’d like to do (Domestic, international, waiting child)
Find out what is and isn’t allowed in your state.
If you’re going domestic, you’ll need to decide what type of domestic – Independent, Agency or Facilitator.
Find and hire a homestudy agency and complete a homestudy (this may or may not be the agency you choose to do your adoption)
Once you’ve completed the homestudy (and all required to get it) you’ll start the process depending on what type of adoption you want to do.

Domestic – You have three options usually (unless prohibited by law)

Independent – you hire an adoption attorney who represents you and do some networking on your own (it depends on the firm, some firms offer ‘some’ networking).

Agency – you hire an agency and they pretty much handle almost everything (but make sure you ask! Some agencies are more ‘inclusive’ than others!)

Facilitator – Facilitators are unlicensed ‘matching’ people – they do nothing more than facilitate the match. These folks are not usually licensed by the state so if something goes amiss, you’re really powerless to do anything about it…some facilitators are great and some are not so great – just do a LOT of research!

International – there are a lot of steps to follow

Usually, you hire your homestudy agency first, complete the process and submit a request to USCIS to be approved for an international adoption.

Once that has been sent – you can sign with your agency.

Depending on the process in the country you choose, you may or may not be required to submit a dossier (a file full of legal, certified and apostled documents)

The rest is program specific – and there are many forums here that can answer program specific questions!

Domestic Waiting Child

You call your local Department of Children and Families (or whatever they call it in your state) and they can advise you on the steps and requirements in your county/state.

Important things to remember:

If agencies are allowed in your state – you are NOT required to use a local agency to adopt – any agency in any part of the country can help you. Find one that meets your needs!

Research, research, research! We don’t allow agency discussion to be posted publicly, however, if you’ve found an agency you like (Domestic or International) feel free to post asking for members to PM you with feedback!

Do NOT, under any circumstances, let your wallet guide you thru the process of adoption. You get what you pay for! If International is what you’re looking for, the fee’s will usually be in line regardless of agency – if Domestic is more your style – just make sure you do a lot of research before you sign….fee’s vary from a few thousand to fifty thousand…do NOT let the numbers scare you!

So, for now, you need to sit down with your wife and talk about and answer the hard questions:

1. Do we want to adopt an infant?
2. Do we want a specific race?
3. Do we want a specific gender?
4. Are we looking for a defined timeline?
5. Do we want openness? Make sure you read and research before you answer this question definitively.)

The answers to these questions will determine which program is most likely best for you!

[KDK]

We're both so new to this. Neither of us knows anyone that has gone through the adoption process, so we know next to nothing about it. Your information provides a great starting point.

Any more advice anyone can give would be most helpful.

[Lorraine123]

KDK,

You have to decide what type of adoption you are going with and then we can answer most any question for you. Have you decided?

Lorraine

[daisy girl]

KDK,

I remember being just where you are, my best advice is to get "adoption for dummies" it really give a great overview on all types of adoptions and walks you through the process. Good luck to you on your adoption.
-Daisy