Lerse.com -- Home and Family Tips

You have a loving partner, a beautiful home, and a great job.  Life is just about perfect, but one very important piece may feel missing.   If there is a void in your life, adopting a child may be the right decision for you.

Adoption has gained popularity over the years, and today there are laws and agencies in place that create a fairly smooth process.  If you're certain about your decision to adopt, and are willing to work hard and follow the steps, you can realize your dream of becoming a parent.

Step #1:  Choose an Agency

You know that a baby isn't just going to show up on your doorstep.  The adoption process is a complicated affair, and you're going to need help.  That's why it's so important to choose the right adoption agency.  First, decide whether you wish to adopt privately or through a public agency.  Each has it's own distinct advantages and disadvantages, so do the research and make an informed decision.  Once you've established your choice, you can begin to research the various agencies in your area.  Ask about their history, their success rate, the services offered and the fees involved.   Each of these factors should carry weight in your final choice.

Step #2:  Attend an Orientation

This is an important step in the adoption process that some people overlook.  At an adoption orientation, the host agency will discuss all aspects of the adoption process.  It's very important for you to hear and consider all of the information given at these sessions, as it will ultimately help you to decide whether you're in a position to follow through with the adoption process.  During the orientation you will be presented with information about the general adoption process, as well as fee schedules and other related topics.  Taking the time to attend this session will give you a good sense of how comfortable you are in dealing with the particular agency.

Step #3:  Pre-Placement Inquiry

Also known as a home study or family assessment, a pre-placement inquiry gives the agency a better idea of the home you will provide to your adopted child.  Every qualified agency should perform a pre-placement inquiry, as they are required by law to do so.  During this stage of the adoption process, the agency will evaluate you as a prospective adoptive family.  They will study and consider the physical and emotional environment in which the child will be raised, and will offer suggestions that can help you to prepare for parenthood.   All aspects of adoptive parenthood are identified at this inquiry.  After conducting home visits and interviews, the adoption agency will use their findings to determine your capability of raising a child in a positive, productive manner.  Their findings will be kept on file and shared with the courts.  This step can be completed in just a few months, depending upon the number of requirements set forth by the adoption agency, and the number of clients involved.

Step #4:  Finalization

After the parental rights of the child's biological parents have been terminated, the child will spend about six months living with you.  At this time, the last step of the adoption process will take place.  A social worker will visit and must make a recommendation for your approval.  You will need to hire an attorney to oversee the legal proceedings. 

Once these steps have been taken and the judge grants your petition, you will be free to celebrate as you "officially" begin your life as a family.