Adoption is filled with important decisions, and one of the most significant ones is selecting the adoptive family for your child. As an expecting mother, you want the best possible future for your little one, and that begins with choosing the right family. In this blog, I will explore the essential steps and considerations to help you make this choice.
Step 1: Defining Your Preferences
The first thing to do when choosing an adopting family is to create a list of your priorities. This list should encompass the type of adoption you prefer, whether it’s open or closed, the family structure (heterosexual or same-sex), their location, having children, and their educational background.
While it’s unlikely that a family will meet every criterion, this list provides a foundation for your search.
Step 2: Reviewing Profiles
Once you’ve established your preferences, it’s time to delve into the profiles of adopting families. These profiles can be in the form of physical books or electronic documents online. I recommend sorting them into “yes,” “maybe,” and “no” piles. This categorization will help you narrow down your options and identify families that truly resonate with you.
Step 3: Trusting Your Instincts
I encourage you to trust your instincts when selecting a family to meet and have a match meeting with. Whether it’s an in-person meeting or a virtual one via Zoom, the key is the connection you feel with the family. Pay attention to what they say, what you see, and what you hear. Your instincts play a significant role in choosing the right family for your child.
Step 4: Building a Connection
After the match meeting, it’s essential to establish a connection with the chosen family. You can invite them to doctor’s appointments, dinners with your family, or simply start communicating with them via texts or calls. Building a relationship is crucial, as it will make the adoption process smoother and help ease any concerns you may have.
Step 5: Seeking Support
You don’t have to navigate this journey alone. Whether you’re working with an adoption agency or an attorney, they are there to guide you and advocate for your needs. If you can’t find what you’re looking for in the profiles initially presented, don’t hesitate to speak up and request more options.
In your journey to choose the right adopting family, remember that the process should be guided by your preferences, instincts, and the support of professionals in the field. My team at Adoption & Beyond is ready to help you on your adoption journey, ensuring you make the best decision for your child’s future.
For more on this topic, check out this week’s video: https://youtu.be/TaAjmLIJOuA
This blog post is provided for educational and informational purposes only. Our services are not financial, business or legal advice. The information presented here is not a guarantee that you will obtain any results or earn any money using our content. Adoption & Beyond, Inc. owns all copyrights to the materials presented here unless otherwise noted.