How To Adopt a Child or an Infant

Are you currently considering adoption? Though this process can be lengthy, it is very rewarding. Here's how to adopt a child or an infant:

1. Make the decision to adopt. Is adoption the right answer for your family? Only you can determine the answer to this question.
2. Contact an adoption agency. Though there are other methods, the most straightforward way to adopt a child or an infant is to contact an adoption agency that can connect adoptive parents with children and help you navigate the process. Contact several agencies to ask questions and find the right fit for your situation.
3. Choose how to adopt. Do you want to adopt a child from this country, or internationally? International adoptions come with their own set of rules and issues. You can also use an attorney's help to adopt a child or an infant without going through an agency. An additional step is deciding whether you are interested in open or closed adoptions, in other words, whether the birth family will remain in contact with the child after the adoption is final.
4. Consider your family's needs. What kind of child would best fit into your family? Look at the child's age, sex, race, behavior and needs. Some children do well with siblings, while others need to be an only child. Be aware that many children in the foster care system may need special care due to past abuse or neglect.
5. Begin the process. The process of adopting may include classes, and always includes a home study. The exact steps depend on how you are adopting.
6. Making the match. Once you have qualified to adopt a child or an infant, you'll begin looking at profiles to find a child you are interested in adopting. Ask questions about the child's background to determine if it would be a good fit.
7. Arrange pre-placement visits. Though this may not be possible in specific situations, particularly with international adoptions, it is always a good idea to arrange pre-adoption visits to be sure that it is a good fit.
8. Prepare for your child's arrival. Buy furniture, clothing, and other needed items, and set up your child's bedroom and closet. Although many families want to have a welcoming party, consider waiting until your child is settled in before inviting over so many new faces.
9. Make the adoption legal. File the petition to adopt, and then finalize the adoption in court.
10. Post-adoption support. Now is your chance to bond with the child as a family. Decide on any post-adoption services your situation may warrant. Join adoption support groups. There may be additional post-adoption paperwork requirements, particularly with international adoptions.

While many of the steps are common to all types of adoption, adoption laws vary from state to state and country to country. The U.S. State Department offers country-specific details, and a local adoption agency should be familiar with all applicable laws in your state.