There are many reasons you might come to the decision that adoption is the right course for you and your family. Health conditions can mean natural options are limited, or perhaps you just want to help out an existing child.
Adoption is increasingly seen as a commonplace situation, to the point where it bears little comment anymore. There is some history of adoption being seen as not “real” parenting, but thankfully in the 21st century, we have moved past that nonsense. The moment you hold a child in your arms, you will feel a connection so strong to them that a simple quirk of biology is irrelevant.
When you and your family have made the decision that you’re ready for adoption, the process begins. A decision that was almost certainly given much time and consideration begins to look like the easy part.
Can You Afford It?
Without wanting to dissuade from this course, it wouldn’t be right to discuss it without acknowledging the upfront cost. The total cost of an adoption process is between $20,000 and $40,000. It’s not all going to be upfront, so you have some time to budget, but you have to be sure that figure is reasonable for you.
What Type Of Adoption Do You Want?
There are two options for adoption. The first is perhaps the best known; closed adoption. In this circumstance, details of the child’s parentage are sealed and can only be opened when the child reaches age. You will have no contact with the biological parents, and they none with you. An agency will facilitate the whole process.
An open adoption service is, as the name would suggest, the exact opposite. You have contact – as much as you are comfortable with – with the biological family. This can mean just sending photos and updates, or more interaction like meetings and activities. This can be a difficult situation to co-ordinate, so utilizing an open adoption services is essential to ensure all goes well.
You can also consider private adoption. This is where you contact a birth mother, and create an arrangement with the help of a lawyer. While it may be more cost-effective, there is also a higher potential for difficult entanglements. Also, lawyers aren’t used to dealing with the emotional ups and downs of the case; adoption specialists will be.
Where Do You Want To Adopt From?
It’s difficult to get exact figures as different agencies hold them, but statistics on USA adoption aren’t great. It’s estimated that there are 36 parents waiting for every baby that becomes available for US adoption. If you don’t fancy the odds, then looking abroad is a viable option. It is, however, more expensive, and could mean several trips to meet your new child- none of which will come cheap.
The result of the process for both is the same, and both have their merits. If you do consider the overseas option, then speak with specialist agencies. It’s a sad truth that there is some corruption in the market, and for the sake of you and the children involved, keep everything above board.
There’s so much to take in, but it will all be worth it in the end. Good luck on your journey!
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
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