Where to start??

june2006bride

My husband and I are just starting the process of adoption.  Actually, I really don't know where to start.  His cousin adopted a child 15 years ago and recommended that we get in touch with the agency he used.  We did and they can't help us because they said we need to live in MA (we live in RI).  I spoke with someone else who adopted 2 children using Lifetime Adoptions out of California.  I was all excited but then found out that they are a Facilitator and not an licensed agency.  How do I know which agencies we should use?

Dr.Loretta

Hi and welcome

I'd check out the FAQs at the top of the board if you haven't already. It has some great resources and advice.

I'd first look at what kind of adoption you're looking at, then research your options (whether that's a facilitator, law firm, agency, or independent adoption). Attend some orientations or information sessions, see which ones you might want to work with, and look at their requirements.

Take your time. it can be overwhelming at first, but it all will fall into place.

june2006bride

Thank your for your reply.  It is very overwhelming indeed!  We are looking at domestic newborn.  For some reason, I cannot see any FAQ at the top of the page.  Is there a different link for it that you could direct me to?

DebateThis

june2006bride:

Thank your for your reply.  It is very overwhelming indeed!  We are looking at domestic newborn.  For some reason, I cannot see any FAQ at the top of the page.  Is there a different link for it that you could direct me to?

Here you go. https://community.thebump.com/cs/ks/forums/thread/44555679.aspx Good luck!

DaisyZH

Welcome to the board!!  Like PPs said, the FAQs are great.  It is so overwhelming when you first start out, take your time and research lots of different agencies, you never know which one will be a great fit : )

Foster1Mom

Welcome to the board.

davidandheather

Good luck to you also! We are also just starting the journey. We were really lucky in that the local crisis pregnancy center did an intro to adoption class at our church. She just went over all the basics --- types of adoption, home studies, paperwork, etc and pointed us in the right direction. I would start by going to Amazon or Half Price Books or wherever you book shop and get a good thorough guide on adoption and read through it. Also I would seek out a mentor if you can.  Start telling people at your church, work, friends -wherever you feel comfortable that you are starting the adoption journey and looking to meet other people who have adopted. Someone will know someone to put you in touch with them. The other thing that has been interesting for me is to just go to the different adoption agency orientations. Some of them are awful, but some are very educational. We have learned a lot about the process just by going to the agency orientations. You don't have to sign up that night. It is just a chance to meet the agency and decide if you are comfortable with them ( I hear you should check out a lof of agencies if possible before deciding which one to go with). If you do a search for adoption agencies in your area, most of the sites will list when they have an information meeting. If not, you can email them for an info packet and they will let you know when the next one is. Good luck!