1. Choosing Open or Closed Domestic Adoption
Many domestic adoptions are considered open adoptions which means the birth parents usually meet and select the adoptive parents. Birth parents may continue to have contact with their biological child. This may vary from receiving updates on the child to actual visits. A closed adoption is the opposite. Birth parents and adoptive parents do not know each other or have ongoing contact.
2. A Long Process
Domestic adoptions are often facilitated through an adoption agency or adoption attorney. The process may vary depending on the state in which you live. You will need to fill out extensive paperwork which may include a financial statement and a background check. A home visit by a social worker may than be required. In an open adoption where the birth mom will be choosing the parents you will need to put together a profile of yourself and spouse if you are married. Keep in mind the profile should give the birth mother a sense of who you are, what values you have and what your interests are.
3. Waiting is the Hardest Part
After you complete the necessary paperwork, home studies and have a profile in place comes the hard part, which is the waiting. Because adoptive parents are often selected by the birth mother the time line is unpredictable. Keep in mind the less restrictions you have on the type of child you will accept the shorter your wait time may be. For example if you are open to an older child or a child of a different race or with some medical problem the wait time may be shorter. While you wait stay busy with other activities, see friends, spend time with your spouse.
4. When Things Aren't What They Seem
When it comes to wanting to have a child to love it is easy to let your heart take over. However it is important to use your head and check out adoption agencies to be sure they have a good reputation. Ask for references from past clients. Check with the Better Business Bureau to determine if complaints have been filed. Trust your gut. If something doesn't seem right it probably isn't. Be cautious of advertisements on the Internet by birth mothers especially if they ask for money right away.
5. Funding Your Domestic Adoption
Domestic adoptions are often costly. Many cost between 15,000 and 25,000 dollars. In addition to getting a loan or asking family members for assistance there may be other ways to fund an adoption. Some employers have benefits which help pay for an adoption. Check with your human resources department. In addition the government offers a tax credit for adoptions. Active military members may be able to get a partial reimbursement for an adoption. Keep in mind adopting through the foster care system is much less expensive.
