Saturday, June 28, 2008

What Are Your Adoption Options?

If you are planning on adopting a child, it is probably the
most important decision you will ever have to make. People
adopt for a variety of reasons. The most common scenario
is when a couple is unable to have a child of their own.
People can have problems conceiving for a variety of
reasons. Another reason people adopt is to give a home to
children that have lost (or been taken from) their family
members or are orphans from another country.

These are all commendable reasons to proceed with the
adoption, but you still need to be aware of some of the
decisions and the alternatives you will be required to make
throughout the application process.

If you are planning on adopting a child in the United
States, the first thing you need to consider is if you
would like to adopt a child within the US or from an
international country. Different laws apply to each
situation so it is especially important to determine what
is involved, especially if you are adopting a child from
another state or from another country. If you are planning
an international adoption, US Immigration laws need to be
understood.

You also need to decide if you are going to use an adoption
agency or try for a private adoption. As far as agencies,
there are both private and public. If you want to adopt a
child from another country, you would be best served by
contacting an aid organization. Private adoptions are
possible but you need to be aware of any governing laws to
avoid heartbreak for you and the child.

In addition to the alternatives already mentioned, you need
to think about whether you would prefer to adopt an infant
or an older child. Most families are hoping to adopt an
infant, so they have the opportunity to watch the child grow
and develop from his or her earliest days, watch all the
developmental milestones, and make sure they've had an
opportunity to teach their values to the child. There is, of
course, a huge demand for infant adoptions and the wait list
can be lengthy, sometimes lasting for years. Adoption of an
older child can be just as rewarding as an infant adoption.
The important consideration is how this child will fit into
your family, not his or her age. Many parents of older
adopted children feel like the child blends into their
families perfectly, as if they were always a part of the
family. Of course, older children have their own distinct
personalities and learned behaviors, sometimes good,
sometimes bad. If the adoption doesn't work for your family,
removing the child from the family situation could have
devastating consequences to the child.

Adoption is such a wonderful option for those who can't
produce children or want to give someone a place in their
family. Get familiar with the adoption laws where you live,
and you will soon be on your way to a most fulfilling
experience.

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