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Steps to Adopting a Child

If you are considering adoption, know it is one of the best decisions you could make for your family and for the child you adopt. Adopting a child is actually an easy process. The only stressful part is the waiting process. Whether you're considering domestic or International Adoption, here are steps to help you get started:

What Kind of Child Are you Looking to Adopt?

Sit down with your spouse and your family and weigh the pros and cons of national or international adoption. Although it may be cheap to adopt a child from a different country, you may have to spend money traveling to that country multiple times. The type of child that you choose determines the type of agency you will go with.

Consider Costs

An intercountry adoption can cost between $15,000 and $20,000. It can go higher depending on the child's country of origin. You may be able to check with your employer because many times they are willing to help pay for part of the adoption.

Research Your Agency

There are both private and public agencies. Public agencies typically handle special-needs adoptions or the adoptions of older children, while private agencies handle all domestic and intercountry adoptions.

Make sure to check the licensing and look at the fees and payment schedules. Public agencies cost less than private agencies since they are government funded. The National Adoption Information Clearing House Website is a great source for intercountry procedures and

www.adoptionnetwork.com

is another great place to start.

Independent Adoption

You do not necessarily have to proceed with an adoption agency. If you want to do an adoption independently, know that the costs will be nearly the same as a private adoption. You will be paying for medical expenses, home study fees and counseling fees. You will also have to pay for an attorney to ensure all of the paperwork is filled out appropriately.

Participate in the Home Study

The home study can take several months. This is where you will be evaluated by a social worker by a series of interviews and a home study to see if you would make a good adoptive parent. Once this is complete, a child can be placed into your home.

Final Adoption

Your agency should help you with the final adoption process; however, you could hire an attorney as well. Look at the state laws for final adoption as some of them state that the child must live with you for six months prior to finalization. For international adoption, it may take up to three years for the adoption to be completed.

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