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Adoption Basics

A collection of links to articles and websites that will help you to understand the Adoption process.
Both domestic (USA) and International resources are included.

Domestic (USA) adoption - International adoption

Adoption Basics: Domestic Adoption

 
Your first step in adoption should be to educate yourself about the adoption process and kinds of adoption relationships. In our opinion, you are not ready to seriously pursue adoption unless you understand the following topics and issues (at a minimum).
  • What procedures and legal issues are involved in the adoption process?
  • What types of adoption are there?
    (example, open, independent, identified, confidential)
  • What are the implications and impacts on us, the child we will adopt and the birthfamily of the choices we make?
  • What type of adoption professional is the kind we want to work with?
    (example: Agency, Attorney, Facilitator)

The following links represent only a starting point for your journey. Contained within these resources are links to more websites, books and other resources with which you can continue your education. Adoption is a lifelong journey, not a "phase to get through", therefore you should continue to use resources available to you (like this website) throughout your (and you child's) life.

Adoption: Where do I start? is one of a series of articles written by the Child Welfare Information Gateway a service of the US Government (formerly known as The National Adoption Information Clearinghouse). It contains a basic outline of the process.
Noted author, Birthmother and parent Brenda Romanchik has written a series of informative booklets on various aspects of adoption. What is Open Adoption ? accurately describes this adoption option, viewed by many as the healthiest form of adoption.
The adoption home study process explains the steps you must go through to be eligible for a domestic adoption.
While not a substitute for advice from a qualified adoption professional, these State Adoption Statute Summaries will give you a great overview of United States adoption laws.
If you have given birth and now wish to grow your family through adoption, Creating a Family by Birth and Adoption is another NAIC publication you should read.
When you are ready, Adoption Professionals.Com provides the most comprehensive on-line list of adoption agencies, attorneys, facilitators and other specialists to help you take the next step. Adoption Books.Com has an easy to use catalog of books for all adoption situations.
 

Adoption Basics: International Adoption

 
Your first step in adoption should be to educate yourself about the adoption process and issues involved in International adoption relationships. In our opinion, you are not ready to seriously pursue adoption unless you understand the following topics and issues (at a minimum).
  • What procedures and legal issues are involved in the adoption process?
  • What are the implications and impacts on us and the child we will adopt of the choices we make?
  • What type of adoption professional is the kind we want to work with?
    (example: Agency, Attorney, Facilitator)

The following links represent only a starting point for your journey. Contained within these resources are links to more websites, books and other resources with which you can continue your education. Adoption is a lifelong journey, not a "phase to get through", therefore you should continue to use resources available to you (like this website) throughout your (and you child's) life.

International Adoption is perhaps the most comprehensive site at which to begin your journey. Sponsored by the United States Department of State, it contains procedures you must follow, texts of International treaties governing adoption and much more.
If you have given birth and now wish to grow your family through adoption, Creating a Family by Birth and Adoption is publication you should read.
When you are ready, Adoption Professionals.com provides the most comprehensive on-line list of adoption agencies, attorneys, facilitators and other specialists to help you take the next step. Adoption Books.Com has an easy to use catalog of books for all adoption situations.

For Pregnant Women: Adoption Basics

Pregnant?
Considering adoption for your baby?

Adoption can be a wonderful choice for you, your baby, and a family hoping to adopt. If you choose this option, there are several things you should read and consider, before you proceed further.

Sharon Kaplan Rosia, noted adoption expert and author has written this Birthparent Check List. It contains questions you should consider prior to making an adoption plan.
Birthmother, parent and author Brenda Romanchik has written a series of informative booklets on various aspects of adoption. What is Open Adoption ? accurately describes this adoption option, viewed by many as the healthiest form of adoption.
The Adoption Education Center by Adoptions.Com has an article: Are You Pregnant and Thinking About Adoption? which will answer many of your questions, and help guide you in your journey.
At the Adoption Education Center you can find even more articles to help you make your decision.
When you are ready, Adoption Professionals.com provides the most comprehensive on-line list of adoption agencies, attorneys, facilitators and other specialists to help you take the next step. Adoption Books.Com has an easy to use catalog of books for all adoption situations.

Search Help for Adoptees

Searching for your birthfamily is a difficult and emotional issue for both Adoptees and their Birthparents. Before you begin this journey, please be aware that you may encounter any one of the following issues:
  • Some Adoptees believe they have a right to know anything they want to know, regardless of the feelings of their birthfamily.
  • Some birthfamilies would like to find the children they made adoption plans for and may even be searching for you.
  • Some birthfamilies do not want any contact from the children they placed for adoption.
  • In some areas, it is not legal to access records relating to your adoption.
There are no right or wrong answers here. Everyone has a right to their feelings on this issue. As you embark upon this journey you will learn of heartwarming reunions, tragic reunions and may experience anger, frustration, happiness and joy.
Please remember, that no matter what your Birthparents feelings are, no matter what your child's feelings are, their motivations are not evil. Be considerate of them, and mindful of their feelings.
 
Making the decision to Search is part of "Shea's Search series, The Definitive Guide to Self-Empowered Adoptee Search", and is an excellent place to start your journey. The entire series as well as additional information can be found here .
Your next stop will probably be an online registry. Many registries charge a fee for their services and are often much less successful than those that are free. SOAR Safe Online Adoption Registries, has a lot of advice, and offers links only to FREE registries.


Last update: February 19, 2008 bkndbar.gif

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March 6, 2008