[hopefulmommie]

My husband and I are interested in adopting an AA, biracial, or hispanic baby. We are currently deciding whether to do this through international or domestic adoption. I was leaning towards international (Ethiopia) because it seems quicker and more straight forward.I keep hearing how prospective parents (in domestic adoption) are waiting and waiting to be matched with a birthparent. Is this the case or only the case when trying to adopt a caucasian baby? How does domestic adoption work exactly? Are you picked by a birthmom or are the adoptive parents picked after the baby is born. I was adopted 29 years ago and it was a closed adoption with no contact or knowledge of birthparent. Can anyone recommend an agency to adopt through, give me a timeline and overall expense? We live in Detroit, MI, but can you go through an out of state agency? Thank you in advance for answering my numerous questions! We have been dealing with secondary infertility now for 4 years (we have a 6 year old bio son) and are just so anxious to welcome a new baby into the family!
Rachel

[hotspice58]

I think part of your answer is where you are. Not having done but reading about the experience of others, in certain parts of the country, there is more of a need parents for AA and hispanic babies. There is a thread with just adoption agencies; that should help.

[Linny]

You will probably find that overall, the need for couples to adopt AA babies is pretty widespread.
You will need a homestudy, done by an agency or whatever the requirements may be in MI. Some states, for example, require that anyone with a social worker degree may do the homestudy, so check this out.
You will find that once you have your homestudy, you can contact an agency and/or attorney and/or do it yourself matching through advertisements and such. Personally, I find networking with attorneys and agencies much more assuring; but this is a personal choice.
Once you have decided on the above, make sure that you network yourself, as well as find a couple of attorneys/ agencies (or more) who network with other entities near and far. For instance, while we live in the midwest, we have our profile (that booklet with the birthmother letter, the photo 'parade' of your life, and any other info other than your homestudy) sent to many different agencies/attorneys in and out of state. You'll find that many of them network with each other.
Find an agency/attorney that doesn't charge much money up front. If you are interested in adopting an AA baby, some agencies will waive your app fee. You can specify what you're wanting to have...meaning any special needs, in some agencies--gender preference, etc. Just be sure NOT to deal with agencies that require 'match money', because you'll likely find yourself putting money 'down' and having it 'stuck there, while some other agency/attorney may offer a 'sure placement' to you, and your money will be 'tied up'.

There is more to it all than this too, but those are the basics. I would be glad to send to you my own list of agency suggestions. We have adopted seven times....four of which have been infant adoptions (two international, two domestic agency, AA babies). Please feel free to pm me if I can be of any help to you.

Sincerely,

Linny

[rredhead]

Rachel,

I have a list of books I can recommend that can help you make some of these decisions. PM me if you'd like them.
Our time was 8 months from signing with our agency to bringing our newborn son home. Ours was a domestic adoption, and our son is biracial (AA/CC). We were open to any race.
My feeling from research and experience is that some people wait a long time because they are not open to children of other races. Some people wait longer because one or more adoption situations fall through. Some wait longer because they choose an agency that is lacking in advertising/marketing, or because they choose to do the advertising themselves, then don't know how to go about it. I think that the more positive and proactive you are, the faster the process will be. But that's just my opinion.
Our son's bmom chose us when she was pregnant, but I have friends who were chosen after the baby was born. I know one person who only accepts matches after the baby is born.
Our agency was wretched, and I'll be happy to tell you who they were if you PM me.
Good luck!

-R

[joskids]

PM me if you're interested in agency names. We're from Detroit but now living in Ohio. I can give you a couple of good agencies and you should have no problem adopting a biracial/AA infant. We're an interracial family also through marriage and adoption. Whatever questions you have, feel free to throw them at me. Detroiters are the best!!!!!!!!!!!

Josie