Adoption: Bringing a Child into Your Family

May 17, 2022 | Adoption, Foster Care, Parenting, Positive Parenting

Adopting a child is a serious process. There are several reasons why families choose to adopt children. Despite your reason, adopting a child is a process you must be ready for. When adopting, you have to ensure that the emotion(s) of the child(ren) are a top priority. Bringing a child into your family isn’t easy. Here are the factors you must consider before you start the adoption process.

Reason

Your reason for adoption may change the experience you have with the child or children you adopt. It is required by adoption agencies that you (and potential partner) have a justified reason to adopt. Agencies are instructed to prevent people with ill minded intentions from adopting children. Some justified reasons include: you don’t want to get pregnant, you and your partner are unable to get pregnant, and saving a child in a crisis. As long as you are truly wanting to raise a child, after you meet the adoption qualifications, you can adopt children from agencies. 

Qualifications

Adoption is a lengthy process, so don’t expect to leave the agency with a child on day one. There are a list of qualifications that you are required to meet before you can adopt children.

Age

You and your partner have to meet the age requirement of your state/province in order to adopt. If you are under the age requirement, or too old and unable to fully care for a child, you won’t be able to adopt.

Medical History

Any medical history that raises red flags can make you unqualified. Those with current or prior substance abuse are not allowed to adopt children (unless approved after rehabilitation). Other medical history regarding serious illnesses such as cancer, multiple sclerosis, and chronic conditions can also make you unqualified. Unless you are approved by a doctor stating that you can take care of the child until they are at least 16 in most instances, then you can’t adopt. 

Home Environment

The state of your home is another deciding factor. A member of your local adoption agency will be tasked with analyzing your home. If they deem it safe for raising a child in, then you will be qualified for adoption. Certain places have specific guidelines for what makes a home safe. Through this home study, you’ll be asked to provide proof of home ownership. You are also likely to be asked to provide family references that can confirm your responsibility.

Training

Most agencies require parents to go through an adoption training course. These courses cover the impacts adoption can have on your family and the child itself. Completion of these courses helps those wanting to adopt to be more aware of how to take care of children in these circumstances. 

These are a list of general requirements. Depending on where you are located, requirements at your agencies will differ. The important takeaway is that you can’t adopt unless you meet the requirements of your local adoption agency.

Are You Prepared?

Whether it’s you alone, or you are looking to adopt with a partner, you have to plan. Without an adoption plan, you are simply not ready to adopt a child yet. Here are the best ways to properly prepare before starting the adoption process.

Parenting Skills

Are you ready to take on the challenge of raising an adopted child? Raising an adoptive child comes with extra concerns. When your child finds out they are adopted it tears their world apart. If you are willing to share with an adoptive child that they are adopted from an early age, you are ready. Adoptive children should be told that even though they weren’t created by you, they are still part of your family. Another thing to consider is if you have the skills required to raise a child. If you and your partner aren’t able to commit to being a great parent, or lack the skills, then it’s not time to adopt yet.

Costs

There are different adoption costs depending on what type of adoption you choose. They include: domestic, international, private, relative/kinship, and adult adoption. International and private adoption are the most expensive, costing over $10,000. The other options are cheaper, so if you have a small budget, local agencies are your best bet. Adoption agencies also come with fees. Lastly, there are the remaining general costs of raising a child. Food, clothing, toys, healthcare, and education will be costs of adoption in the future.

Age Range

You can adopt any age of child, from newborns all the way to teenagers. Make sure you know what age of child you want to adopt so you can mentally prepare.

Adopting a Child

Now that you know adopting is a complicated process, you will prepare before starting the process. Have clear intentions, research your agency’s qualifications, and curate an organized adoption plan.

 

Content creator Madeline Miller writes for articles, blogs, websites, and social media platforms. She writes for Top Essay Writing Services and Assignment Services, and is a professional essay writer. She also does work for Studydemic.

 

 

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