As I have mentioned in previous posts there are many choices that a couple or one has to make after making the decision to adopt, the first of which is to decide what type of adoption you would like to pursue. There are three primary ways to adopt:
1. Through the state or foster care,
2. Domestic adoption, and
3. International adoption.
I will be discussing domestic adoption in this post. I’ll also comment in another post about international. If you have been reading Anna’s posts you will find the information that you need to adopt through the state or foster care system.
Couples tend to choose domestic adoption when they would like to adopt a newborn or young infant. There are many advantages to adopting domestically. However, keep in mind that some advantages may seem like disadvantages to others.
It is currently believed that between 25,000 and 30,000 domestic adoptions of newborn and infants happen annually. When adopting domestically there are certain things to keep in mind.
·In many circumstances the birthmother or birthparents choose the parents that will eventually adopt the baby. This is true whether you choose to adopt privately or through an agency.
·In most circumstances the adoptive parents and birthparents meet before the baby is born and will have a continued relationship later on after the baby is born. This relationship could be through ongoing letters and pictures of the baby up to actually having an open relationship with the family and child including visits.
·A couple may be able to get medical information from the birthmother and birthfather.
·The costs can range anywhere from $10,000 to 40,000. This can depend on whether the prospective adoptive families need to assist the birthmother with living and medical expenses.
·The waiting time can also vary to as little as three months up to four or five years. Again this has a lot to do with how you decide to pursue your adoption journey. One needs to take in consideration whether they are going to adopt privately or through an agency.
·Birthmothers do change their minds. It is at times advised not to make too much of an emotional connection with the birthmother early on in her pregnancy.
·It is predominately heterosexual couples between the ages of 25 – 45 who adopt domestically, but not in all circumstances.