How to Start the Adoption Process

Before You Begin: The Foundational Questions

Before getting started with adoption, it’s vital that you engage in reflection to ensure that you’re ready for what lies ahead.

Are You and Your Partner Aligned on Adoption?

For couples, one of the first steps to adopting a child is making sure both partners are on the same page. Adoption requirements can be demanding, and the process requires a 100% commitment on behalf of both prospective adoptive parents. Engage in open communication about how willing and ready you are to adopt.

Exploring Your “Why” for Adopting

People turn to adoption for a variety of reasons, such as infertility, the desire to expand a family, or an interest in giving a stable home to a child in need. Becoming clear on your “why” can help you move through the process and provide a loving home for a future child.

Step 1: Decide Which Path of Adoption is Right for You

Start the adoption process by deciding which path of adoption you prefer. Each type of adoption comes with different logistics, costs, and timelines.

Domestic Infant Adoption

Adopting a newborn within the United States is called domestic infant adoption. Private agencies facilitate these types of adoption by matching prospective adoptive parents with expectant mothers. Expectant mothers voluntarily elect to have their child adopted, and they may want to communicate with prospective adoptive parents before choosing a placement.

Foster Care Adoption

In foster care adoption, a child is adopted because their biological parents’ rights were terminated by the state. In contrast to domestic infant adoption, foster care adoption often involves the adoption of older children. Groups of siblings and children with unique needs are also common in foster care adoption, which is the most affordable path to adoption.

International Adoption

International adoption refers to Americans adopting a child from another country. International adoption tends to be more complex, due to travel requirements and the many policies involved. For example, prospective adoptive parents must comply with the Hague Convention, an international agreement, as well as both U.S. laws and the laws of the country they want to adopt from.

Step 2: Research State Laws and General Requirements

Once you've established a strong internal foundation, it's time to ensure you meet the practical requirements needed to provide a child a safe home.

Age and Marital Status Requirements

Most U.S. states require prospective adoptive parents to be a certain age — 21 and 25 are common minimum ages for those looking to adopt. In all states, prospective adoptive parents may be single or married, and both heterosexual and LGBTQ+ people are able to adopt. 

Financial Stability and Housing

You don't have to be wealthy to adopt. However, you must demonstrate that you are able to financially support and provide a safe home to a child. Usually, this is done by providing evidence of a stable source of income and safe housing that's adequate for a child.

Background Checks

To ensure child safety, prospective adoptive parents must undergo mandatory background checks. These involve state and federal criminal background checks, as well as child abuse registry checks.

Step 3: Choose Your Adoption Professional

You don't have to figure out how to adopt all on your own. Experts can help with how to start the adoption process, as well as how to move through it every step of the way.

Finding a Licensed Adoption Agency

You'll want to work with a state-licensed adoption agency to ensure they are operating safely and in accordance with laws. Research multiple agencies before choosing one. While the web is a great starting point, do more than just read about agencies online. Reach out to ask questions and interview the agencies that align with your needs and preferences before picking one.

The Role of an Adoption Attorney

An adoption attorney is necessary for the final steps of adoption, such as filling out legal paperwork and appearing in court to make the adoption official. Independent adoptions may involve working directly with an attorney, but most prospective adoptive parents work with adoption agencies that have their own legal teams.

Step 4: Attend an Informational Meeting

Informational meetings, which are generally free and online, are an excellent way to learn how an adoption agency operates before making a commitment.

What to Expect and What Questions to Ask

An informational meeting usually provides prospective adoptive parents with an overview of the agency's adoption process, along with details about average costs and timelines. Here are questions to consider asking in an informational meeting:

• What is your average wait time?
• What are the total estimated costs? Are fees fixed? 
• How are expectant mothers and prospective adoptive parents matched?
• Do you offer support to adoptive parents after placement?

Step 5: Prepare for the Adoption Home Study

Once you've chosen your adoption agency, they'll likely do a home study to ready you and your home for the arrival of a child.

What is a Home Study? (A brief introduction) 

A home study is a collaborative process between prospective adoptive parents and an agency. The purpose isn't to judge the prospective adoptive parents, but to prepare them and the home for adoption. A home study may involve a series of meetings with a social worker, background checks, and an inspection of the prospective adoptive parents' home to ensure safety.

Gathering Your Initial Documents 

To help your adoption process go smoothly, gather documents early on, so they're on-hand when needed. Documents you may need include:

• Birth certificates for any prospective adoptive parents
• Birth certificates or adoption decrees for any other children in the household
• Marriage license
• Tax returns
• Recent pay stubs
• Financial statements listing assets and liabilities
• Personal references

Next Steps on Your Adoption Journey

After you move through these foundational steps, you will create a profile, wait for a match, and begin placement. Enjoy this exciting time by focusing on your personal "why" every step of the way.