First Time Child Adoption

Congratulations on considering adoption as a way to start or grow your family. Both domestically and internationally, there are millions of children who are looking for a home with their ‘forever family.’ Whether you are turning to adoption because of infertility issues, or simply because of a desire to provide for children who are parentless rather than creating your own, deciding to adopt is a lifelong, fulfilling, and challenging commitment - just as having a biological child would be.

It’s natural to feel excitement and joy when you imagine the child that you will bring into your family through adoption. Just as parents who are waiting nine months for a pregnancy to come to fruition, prospective adoptive parents will have many months of contemplating, worrying, and dreaming about their precious future child. But because adopting a child can often be unpredictable in the exact time that it takes, it’s important that you acquaint yourself with the adoption process, the possible pitfalls, and other challenges that you might face along the way.

For many adoptive couples or singles, the dream of the end result is what will keep them motivated through the process - which is how it should be. But if they are not prepared for the ways in which adoption works, those dreams could become tainted with frustration and disappointment. None of the information here should dissuade you from pursuing your goal of adoption. But it should help to inform you so that you can maintain the positive attitude and forward motion that will eventually bring you the child or children that are right for you and your family.

Table Of Contents:

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU START
ADOPTION OPTIONS
DOMESTIC INFANT ADOPTIONS
YOUR PROFILE
INTERNATIONAL ADOPTION
AFFORDING ADOPTION
AVOIDING COMMON PITFALLS
CONCLUSION