Adopt a Child in Need
Adopting a child, whether domestically or internationally, is a decision that requires careful consideration, significant research and--in some cases--counseling classes. These classes are set up to prevent some of the pitfalls many new adoptive parents make, such as trying to be the adopted child's best friend and not his parent. Many of these types of counseling classes are encouraged. However, some classes are required regardless of the adoptive parent's background. These will vary by agency and state.
Instructions
1. Determine the category of adoption that is right for you: domestic or international. For domestic adoption, start the research process contact a state adoption agency in your city and state to find a photo list of waiting children. In New York, contact New York State Adoption Service (NYSAS) (See Resources below). Most state adoption agency websites provide photo lists as well as brief bios of the children. Before you can adopt, you must complete a home study and undergo an extensive interview process, and background and financial check.
2. Prepare for the home study by having all financial records available and presenting a clear view of your family structure. Although the home study process will vary from agency to agency, the primary objective of the home study is to understand how the adoptive family functions and find a child who will fit well within the already established structure of that family. Be prepared to answer questions about your work schedule and daily routine. All home studies are conducted by a social worker, whether you adopt through a state agency or a private agency.
3. Contact or visit your local or city orphanage. Also, contact national adoption agencies about adoption requirements or to learn more about the children currently in need of a foster home or qualify for permanent adoption. As an alternative resource, research private and non-profit adoption agencies that assist in domestic and, in some cases, international adoption.
4. Find children in need of adoption through the Nightlight Christian Adoptions. A nonprofit, 501(c)(3) adoption agency licensed by the State of California, Nightlight Christian Adoptions facilitates domestic and international adoptions for parents in search of an adopted child. Services are provided throughout the U.S. with homestudies authorized for the Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego and Ventura counties. See Resources below for children in need of adoption.
5. Decide if an international adoption is right for you. An international adoption will require a visa for the child, international air fare, and must be faciliated by an international adoption agency or domestic adoption agency that offers international services. For example, plan an international adoption through Adopt International & Domestic Services. This private nonprofit agency works to place children from international countries with families in the United States. Offering trans-racial adoption classes, U.S. parents are supported throughout the adoption process. See Resources below for children in need of adoption.
6. Determine if you want to adopt a child with special needs or hard to place children and siblings. Many adoption agencies will offer photo listing of such children, and adoptive families are encouraged to apply. Because these children are slow to be placed with families, many agencies have listing of special children who are in desperate need of immediate placement (adoption). Meet with an adoption counselor at Adoptions Together or view photo galleries online. Families seeking infant, older, sibling groups, black and international children are encouraged to apply. See Resources below.
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