How to adopt
“My life has been shaped by the decision two people made over 24 years ago. They decided to adopt a child. They got me, and I got a chance at the kind of life all children deserve.”
― Karen Fowler, Reflections on Motherhood
“Families don’t have to match. You don’t have to look like someone else to love them.” -Leigh Anne Tuohy”
― Leigh Anne Touhy
There are many steps when wanting to adopt a child. First, you should educate yourself
about adoption and how to do it. You should look through family magazines, read articles on the internet, talk to someone who is familiar with the subject or go to the closest adoption agency.
There are adoptive parents support groups and adoption conferences that you may attend.
Secondly, you must work with an agency licensed in the state that you live in. You
should figure out what type of child you are looking for. You should also ask the agency what type of children they receive, their fees, how they assess and prepare families, and how long the process will take you.
If you are still serious about it then you’ll have to complete a home study. A home study
is a series of meetings between you and an agency social worker. It is an ongoing conversation which will prepare you for parenting. The social worker will look at your birth certificates, marriage license ( if you are married), child abuse clearances, and personal references before finalizing his/her report. At least one meeting will be at your house. All the people living in your house will need to attend the home visit.