5 Things To Do To Prepare For The Adoption Process

With a new year in full swing, maybe you are ready to finally make good on the goals you have set out to achieve in the past. If adopting a child is one of those goals, then there’s no better time to start the adoption process than right NOW. When choosing to adopt, there are a number of prerequisites an adoptive family has to fulfill before they are able to bring their child home.

The following are a list of things you can do to help you begin the adoption journey:

Educate yourself on adoption

Familiarizing yourself with adoption and the process, is the best first step those considering adoption can take. Whether it’s joining an adoptive parent support group, talking to adoptive parents or visiting adoption websites – it’s important to gain as much insight and knowledge as you can.

Discovering things like; positive adoption related terms, state adoption laws and legislation, and what fees may be associated with adoption can eliminate confusion and create a more gratifying experience.

Choose an adoption professional

There are thousands of adoption agencies, adoption attorneys, and adoption facilitators that can help you through the adoption journey. When choosing a type of an adoption professional, you must be sure they meet the needs of you and your family.

Adoptions From The Heart is a licensed private, non-profit adoption agency that works with people all over the county to help build beautiful families. Since 1985 Adoptions From The Heart has helped place thousands of children in loving homes through domestic adoption.

Choose a type of adoption

Another important factor of the adoption process – is deciding what type of adoption are you interested in pursuing. Adoptions break down into several different categories; and it’s up to you to determine the type of adoption that you will be able to remain committed to, despite challenges that may arise.

You can choose from:

Open vs. Closed adoption
Domestic adoption (foster care, agency adoption, independent adoption, etc.)
International adoption
Sibling-group or twin/multiple adoption
Infant adoption
Transracial adoption (adopting a child whose race/ethnicity is different from your own)

Compare costs and fees

The cost of adoption can be overwhelming and downright scary, which is why it’s important to compare and contrast agency/facilitator fees, and what services are provided along with these fees. It’s important that would-be parents choose an agency or adoption professional that provides the most support. The adoption process can become confusing, emotional and even frustrating – therefore, it’s essential to have a qualified professional to help you navigate through those difficult moments.

Adoptions From The Heart includes all fees, and estimated fees on our website, and have local staff across 6 different states to offer support at the hospital to prospective adoptive parents.

Determine how you will cover the adoption fee

Some families never take the first step in the adoption process, because they are daunted by the costs associated with it. And although building a family through adoption may seem out of reach, there are a few avenues worth exploring that could provide financial assistance.

Grants – organizations like helpusadopt.org provide qualified families with grants up to $15,000
Crowd-funding – fundraising sites like gofundme.com or adopttogether.com collects donations to help fund adoption for a family
Low-cost or interest-free loans – Resources4adoption.com is an online resource for adoptive families seeking up-to-date information on adoption grants and loans and how to qualify for them.