[RWU]

Hi there -

I am new to this board. I have completed my home study and working through an agency who will get out dear birth mothers out and its on their website, however I dont know what to do next? Are there other ways to communicate and get the word out? I have been looking at all these websites but nothing so far that I can find.

Any help will be greatly appreciated.

[Chiefs_dip]

There a few different things you can do. The main thing is to tell EVERYONE you know that you are adopting. I know of several people who ended up adopting privately (even though they were signed with an agency) b/c someone they told of their adoption plans knew of a pregnant woman who was unable to parent. One time it was a friend's mom's neighbor who was the Birthmother.

Some people send out a mass e-mail to everyone in their address book explaining that you are open to any adoption possibilities.

Others have made business cards (which is inexpensive) with basic contact info. on them to hand out to anyone and to put in every piece of mail that leaves their house (like in bills or whatnot).

You could also make contact with the local university health centers and ask if you can put up a flyer there. Or maybe the counselors at the high schools.

You may want to set up a separate e-mail account for possible adoption inquiries. Or some people I know have put a 1-800 number on their home phone for those possible calls.

If you want to be actively looking for a birthmom you can do it. Again, word of mouth CAN work so if you are willing to share the news that you are adoption-ready it could lead to great things.

GOOD LUCK!

[kamari]

If you do decide to actively look for a birthmom, go for it, but please remember to do so in a tasteful, respectful manner. I've read some pretty embarrassing stories out there that make all of us adoptive parents look bad. So just remember to think before you act/speak and we'll all be grateful.
Just some food for thought. :-)
-K