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| 1. |
Forget everything
you’ve heard about how impossible or hard it is to adopt. Today adoption is an option
for people of all backgrounds and lifestyles. |
| 2. |
Decide whether
you want to adopt a baby, an older child, a child with special needs or a child of another
race. There are all kinds of children out there who need families. |
| 3. |
If you want to
adopt your child from the U.S., make sure you understand the adoption laws in your state. |
| 4. |
Consider
international adoption. Thousands of children worldwide need parents.
If you’d like to pursue international adoption, there are specialized adoption
agencies that can help you. |
| 5. |
Do your homework.
Find agencies and adoption experts in your area. Ask for brochures or handouts. Attend
seminars. Join local adoptive parent support groups. |
| 6. |
Tell friends,
family, colleagues, physicians and everyone else that you want to adopt. Ask them to think
of you if they hear of anyone who may want a child adopted. |
| 7. |
Screen any
adoption agency or attorney that you are thinking about using. Ask for references and
check to see if any complaints have been made. Maintain a healthy skepticism. |
| 8. |
Keep your cool
during the home study investigation. Remember that no parents are perfect. Use the
experience as an exercise in self-exploration. |
| 9. |
When you hear
about a child you might adopt, ask questions about the child’s health and early life
experiences. Learn as much as you can about the birth parents. |
| 10. |
Your child
arrives! Congratulations! Enjoy parenting and your new life together. |
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From The Complete Idiot’s
Guide to Adoption (Alpha Books, 1998),
by Chris Adamec. Adamec is also the author of The Adoption Option: Complete
Handbook, 2000 –2001
(Prima Publications 1999). |
