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A Guide to the Adoption Process

Adoption is a popular option for adults who want to expand their families. In 2001, 127,000 children were adopted in the United States, according to adoption statistics reported by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Forty percent of those adoptions were through public agencies, 15 percent were international adoptions and the remaining 45 percent were private adoptions or stepparent adoptions.

If you are planning to adopt a child, keep in mind that it can be a long and expensive process. However, it may also be one of the most rewarding and valuable decisions that you will ever make.

Reasons for Adoption
People interested in adopting children may have several reasons for pursuing this road to parenthood, including:

  • Adults concerned about their family's medical history might consider adoption rather than risk passing on harmful genes.
  • Adults may want to provide a loving home for a child who is already here, rather than bring another one into the world.
  • Single adults who want to become parents may find adoption more appealing or practical than choosing a sperm donor or finding a surrogate mother.
  • Adults may have infertility problems and prefer adoption to in vitro fertilization or other medical solutions, such as surrogacy.

Types of Adoptions
People who want to adopt children can take one of four approaches. They can adopt through a public agency, a private agency, independently (not through an agency) or internationally. Costs and regulations vary for each type of adoption. For example, independent adoption (also known as private adoption), which typically involves the birth mother selecting the adoptive parents, is not legal in all states. Before beginning the adoption process, you should know the laws on adoption in your state.

Adoptions may also be either open or closed:

  • Closed Adoptions: In a closed adoption, the birth parents have no ties to the adoptive family.
  • Open Adoptions: In an open adoption, contact between the birth parents and the adoptive family is maintained after the adoption has been legalized.

    Open adoptions can often be difficult for both the adoptive parents and the biological parents. For example, the adoptive parents may have mixed feelings about their roles and how to act toward the child's biological parents. Communication is the key to a positive open adoption experience.

International Adoption
For some parents, adopting a child from outside the United States is preferable. They might want to give a child from an impoverished country a better life or be unable to find an American child in their desired gender, race or age range. Adopting a child who shares a similar heritage with them can also be appealing. Children adopted from foreign countries are typically less than five years old.

International adoption statistics show that in 2004, the following countries had the highest number of children adopted by American parents:

  1. China (7,033 adoptions)
  2. Russia (5,878 adoptions)
  3. Guatemala (3,252 adoptions).

The overwhelming majority of babies adopted from China are girls. In fact, of the more than 7,000 children adopted in 2004, 95 percent were girls. This lopsidedness is partially due to the Chinese culture's preference for sons and partially due to laws that enforce a one-child-per-family limit in urban parts of China.

Financing an International Adoption
Many people ask, "How can I finance an international adoption?"International adoptions cost between $7,000 and $30,000. If you want to reduce that cost, here are a few options:

  • Employer Benefits: Some companies offer financial assistance to employees pursuing an international adoption.
  • Grants: Some charitable organizations, especially religious ones, offer grants to cover either all or part of the cost of an adoption.

Costs of Adoption
Apart from foster care adoptions, the cost of domestic adoptions are similar to those for international adoptions. The average costs are as follows:

  • Foster Care Adoptions: $0 to $2,500
  • Independent Adoptions: $8,000 to $40,000
  • Licensed Private Agency Adoptions: $5,000 to $40,000.

The Adoption Process
After deciding to adopt a child, you typically must do the following:

  1. Determine which type of adoption you want to pursue.
  2. Consider how you will cope with various adoption expenses.
  3. Choose an adoption agency, facilitator and attorney, as needed.
  • Fill out the required application form for the adoption.
  • Be matched with (or locate) the child you plan to adopt.
  1. Participate in pre-adoption and parenting classes.
  2. File the necessary petition, and then finalize the adoption.
  3. Prepare yourself and your family members for the child's arrival.
Remember that adoption laws vary from state to state and from country to country as well. Check with the appropriate government agency for the most up-to-date information.

A Rewarding Path
An adoption may take between six and 18 months, sometimes longer if it is an international adoption. If you remain patient during the process, however, the reward of giving a child a loving home will be more than worth the wait.

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