The Adoption Process: What You Need To Know When It Comes To Starting Your Family

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By Mia Bolaris-Forget

Starting a family is something most families look forward to, or at least discuss, typically not long after they say their “I Dos”. Still, more and more couples are not only putting off marriage, but having babies, until they’ve gotten the marriage, career and home thing pretty much down pat. And, for many, that means trying to conceive at a point and time in life where getting pregnant may prove to be a bit more challenging, or not possible at all. And, for these or other couples who married “later” in life, adoption may be the alternative answer…..and a seemingly very popular one these days.

Adopting a child, though one of the most unselfish acts any couple can do, requires careful considerations and lots of research, especially since once you sign on the dotted line, there’s no nine-month adjustment period, but rather the obvious fact that you and your spouse are now instant parents. With that said, they suggest that your choice be well thought out and NOT taken lightly.

Experts recommend that the couple come to a conclusion (about adopting) together and begin their search by looking around for an adoption agency in their own community, though the search should not end there. In fact, lining up and looking at a few (adoption facilities that is) is a MUST. And, it’s equally important to know what you’re looking for and asking the right questions.

Keep in mind that there are a few different types of adoptions including open adoption (that allows for a continuing relationship between the birth family, the adoptive family and the adoptee and in certain cases can include extended family members such as birth grandparents ands siblings; and closed adoption in which the birth parent(s) and the adoptive parent(s) have NOT met, nor intend to, and have no contact after the child is placed, not does either party share any identifying information. The agency handling the legalities serves as the intermediary and is the only “one” with information regarding either party. Keep in mind that every state has it’s own laws so you’ll want to check these out before you choose to adopt on make a decision on which type of adoption is right for you.

In addition experts suggest you find out whether your adoption agency of choice handles domestic or international adoptions or both, especially since you’ll want to choose one that caters to and meets your specific requirements, desires, and needs.

Besides asking others you should do your research carefully and using ALL resources available to and for you, and that includes looking into whether or not there have been any problems with adoptions or the agency or anything else of great relevance you should know about. Then, and only then, should your search for a specific child or birth mother begin.

Long Island Family Life & Parenting Articles > The Adoption Process: What You Need To Know When It Comes To Starting Your Family