For a couple or single person thinking about adopting a child, it’s difficult to know where to start. The adoption process is challenging and time-consuming, and sometimes overwhelming. There are a lot of points to consider before beginning an adoption. BCFS Health and Human Services RSD, an organization with deep experience in adoptions and foster care services, understands the challenges with the adoption process. It recently published some insights and tips for prospective parents to consider before they embark on an adoption.
The organization says there are two routes for adoption of newborn and infant children. These are through adoption agencies that match parents with suitable children, or through an attorney that conducts an “independent adoption.” A main difference noted between these two options is an agency handles many of the details regarding the adoption process, while an independent adoption requires parents to be more “hands on” throughout the adoption. There are also different rules and regulations for agency or independent adoptions, so a consultation with an attorney is highly advisable.
BCFS Health and Human Services RSD notes there are many opportunities for foster child adoption, which provides “forever homes” for some of the hundreds of thousands of current foster children. Adjusting a foster child to a new permanent home comes with its own set of challenges, and parents are mandated to complete hours of training to help them through this journey.
Before signing with an agency or an attorney, or working with a foster child adoption organization, parents should ask themselves some questions to ensure they’re ready for adoption. Parents should review their current life situation and review any changes they’ll need to make in terms of their living arrangements or financial situation. Are they willing to adopt an older child or a child from a different race? Will they adopt siblings?
There are myriad questions that are especially useful for ensuring parents are ready for adoption, and the answers also help the adoption agency find a suitable fit. An important consideration is the amount of interaction parents are willing to engage in with the child’s birth family. And finally, parents should consider if they’re ready for the responsibilities of parenting and the challenges and joys of bringing a child home.
