How do we get started?

frank3jr

My husband and I are really interested in adopting at some point. My husband was adopted by his step dad and has always wanted to pay it foward. We both really would love to adopt a baby at some point. Right now we have 10 month old twins so we aren't looking to do this for at least a few years. We haven't figured out where we'd be settling down more long term yet. Jobs have had had us moving around a lot in the last few years and we'd like to save more money before adopting. 

Neither of us have any idea of really how to get started on the whole adoption process. I know there is the international, domestic and fostering and I've learned a lot from this board but I'm still not really sure where to start or what to think about so that when the time is ready, we can move forward.

I'd love to hear any advice, tips, things to consider, etc. TIA!

Dr.Loretta

Hi and welcome. I'd suggest starting with the FAQs for some starting resources, then go from there. We're always happy to answer specific questions and share our experiences

frank3jr

Thanks! The FAQ do help answer a lot of questions.

I know we have a lot to do before this but do you have any tips or good questions on how to go about picking an agency? We don't really know anyone that can give us a recommendation.

MileHighMaam

I read books and researched places on-line.  I think the first step is to figure what type of adoption you are interested in there are many different types.    I found "You Can Adopt" a good starting point.   

Feel free to post questions here as well.   

Dr.Loretta

frank3jr said:

Thanks! The FAQ do help answer a lot of questions.

I know we have a lot to do before this but do you have any tips or good questions on how to go about picking an agency? We don't really know anyone that can give us a recommendation.

It will depend a lot on what path you take and what you're comfortable with. Some people want a national agency for more exposure. Some want a more local/regional agency for face to face interaction. Some people don't use agencies at all. One you decide what type of adoption you're looking for for your family, you can then start to think about what you're looking for to get you there.

frank3jr

Thanks! This is very helpful for us to get started!

issyjmc

We have used an adoption consultant in both our current adoption and our son's adoption. We chose to do an agency adoption for a variety of reasons, and they helped us figure out what our comfort levels were, helped us find a great social worker to do our home study, help us prepare our profile and gave us contacts at a variety of agencies. We are currently networking with 6 agencies, several of which have affiliates in multiple states. Our consultant is there, night and day, to answer any questions or offer us guidance. They also have contacts with legal counsel if we need assistance with finalization, etc. It is just always nice to know that we have experts at our fingertips.