Overcoming the Challenges of Adoption

Choosing to start or expand a family is one of the most important decisions you will make in your life. If you have chosen the route to parenthood through adoption, you already know that you are going to give a child a loving, nurturing home. But the adoption process can be complicated and there are many emotional and mental challenges you may have to face before successfully adopting your new son or daughter. Patience is key while pursuing adoption.

Adoption is not for the indecisive. In fact, the choice to adopt is only the first decision you must make in a long line of decisions to complete the adoption process. The adoption process begins by choosing what type of adoption you would like to pursue. You can choose domestic adoptions or international adoption. You may also have a choice of embryo adoption, infant adoption or older child adoption. There is no “right answer.” Every baby and child waiting to be adopted deserves a happy home; you just have to decide who you are going to welcome into yours. Once you know what type of adoption you’re going to pursue, you have to find a local adoption agency that offers the services and resources you need.

Research your options and find an adoption agency you trust with professionals who can offer guidance and support. If you choose a domestic infant adoption, look for an adoption agency that offers comprehensive birth mother services. This can be a positive indicator that the adoption agency is willing to go the extra mile to support adoption at all stages. Plus, if you choose to do an open adoption, you may have an opportunity to know the birth mother. You are also more likely to get a complete medical history of your child if the adoption agency is providing medical care for mother and baby.

You should also consider whether or not the adoption agency hosts any adoption events or seminars. Attending these types of events can be a wonderful learning opportunity, and you may be able to meet other adoptive families you have been through the adoption process and can offer insight into what to expect.

Now that you have found the right adoption agency for you, it is time to fill out paperwork and set up a home study. Before you are able to adopt, your application must be approved. You have to show your preparedness for the life-

changing responsibility you are about to take on, so take your time and make sure you present yourself honestly and positively. Prepare yourself for the home study, too. Make sure your home is ready for a new baby or young child. These are very important indicators to the professionals at adoption agencies, as they work to ensure all adopted children are placed in nurturing, caring environments. Once you’re approved, the waiting begins.

Depending on what type of adoption agency you work with – public, private, non-profit – the wait time to complete an adoption can vary. Sometimes domestic adoptions only take a few months to complete. Other times, it can be a few years. Again, patience is the key to fulfilling your adoption dreams. When the process becomes challenging or frustrating, remember that this is the process you have to go through to welcome home a son or daughter dreaming of their own loving family to support and care for them.