Adoption is a process!
While there is so much outside of your control, there are certain things you can do to prepare. Here is a checklist of 7 steps to prepare for adopting a baby based on my recent YouTube video.
- Choose your adoption professional
In previous videos I’ve talked about the various factors to consider when choosing your adoption professional (here and here). You don’t need the same agency to work with you from start to finish. You may hire an agency for the home study, and then a separate professional for the type of adoption you’ve chosen. (check out video) They may not be the same, and that’s perfectly fine. - Choose a licensed child placing agency
When it comes to the home study, you want to make sure you’ve selected a licensed agency that can work in any state. You may only plan to adopt in the state that you reside, but a situation may drop into your lap of an expecting mom in another state that you find through a personal connection or friend. That’s why it’s important when you’re doing an adoption that the home study is valid in any state in the United States. - Put time and effort into your adoption profile
This is a biggie! Take the time with your profile, because it is what an expecting mom looks at to help her choose the family where she wants to place her child. Don’t skimp on this process, because this is her first impression of you. I really think it’s worth the investment to hire a professional. Another thing that a lot of families don’t do, that I think is crazy not to do, is to create an adoption video! This will really help you stand out among the crowd of thousands of families who are wanting to adopt. - Join a support group
Whether it’s through a Facebook or local support group, find others who have been through the adoption process. Learn from those who have been there before you. It’s important to get support because the waiting is so hard. Get connected while you’re waiting; you’ll be glad you did. - Make sure you have all your funds together
Adoption could literally happen within 48 hours! It’s important to have all your funds ready to go for all the adoption services that are being provided to you and your family. - Educate Yourself
You’re probably tired of me saying this, but educate yourself. I cannot stress that enough. Educate, educate, educate yourself! That will really help not only you, but also your child as they grow, and the expecting mom as you work with her through the adoption process. - Prepare yourself for the unexpected
Adoption is not for the faint of heart. It will not go smoothly 99.9% of the time. It’s really important to have flexibility, humor and to realize that you are not in control. You have to let go and be okay with that. It’s hard to do sometimes, but remain hopeful. With adoption it’s not “if”, it’s “when.” Stick with it and one of these days you’ll have the child you’ve always dreamed of for your family.
Start checking off this list and get ready for the unexpected! I wish you luck on your adoption journey!
What did you think of this week’s All About Adoption episode? Balancing multiple adoptions can be tricky, but with the right approach and perspective, you can make it work!
What are other adoption questions you may have? We’d love to hear them! Make sure you leave a comment below!
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