New to the Boards

I remember being new to the website and being so glad I found it....was kind of like my only daily link to the new adoption world my husband and I ventured into.....and so many people gave me such wonderful advice! :) I'd like to say first of all that you sound like a very caring, wonderful person and that you have a true sincere love for those little boys and it's sounds like you were very instrumental in them recovering and flourishing!!! God will definitely bless you for that! It's so wonderful that at an early age in your life you already know what you want to do--that is a huge blessing, for you can reap so many benefits by already knowing the desires of your heart so you can reach out and grab them when the good Lord brings them your way! :) I don't have much experience with domestic adoptions but my husband and I have ventured over to the international side of adoption..... First thing I'd like to share is, please know that other countries have policies and adoption criteria for adoptive parents and it looks like from what I can see from one agency we got to know, America World Adoption Agency, ([url]www.awaa.org[/url]) according to their information it shows that China requirements are, both spouses need to be at least 30 years old, but Ukraine say parents must be over 25 (a little closer to your age) Russia also 25, and Vietnam 25-50 years old....countries always have marriage information and requirements too, (some being - no requirements regarding length of marriage, to minimum 3 years married, 5 years married, etc). So when asking anyone, an agency, etc. first thing, be upfront about your age and how long you've been married....no sense starting to work with someone and a country only to find out the basic criteria isn't there.....(I know this from first hand experience)..... Also, according to Holt International ([url]www.holtinternational.org[/url]) Bulgaria-25 years old, Ecuador 30-45, Guatemala 25 years old, India 25-49, Korea 25-43, Mongolia 25-55, Philippines 27 years old, Thailand min. 25 years. I know this sounds discouraging to you maybe, BUT don't be dismayed! God has the perfect child for you at the perfect time!!! Remember that!!! It might be a good idea to check into domestic to see what your state regulations might be (I think you're in Forida right--that you work in Pinellas Park) maybe, just maybe they might have younger age requirements and you CAN adopt and possibly adopt children that you have an opportunity to see and help and be a part of their life first (because of your job) and then decide which age group works best for you and your husband--a newborn, toddler, etc. I do know that when God put's a child into your life though, it kinda doesn't matter what WE thought we'd like, sometimes God knows us better than we know ourselves and sends us the BEST child--which might be different than what we ever imagined. So be open in your ideas and let God guide you and use your opportunity at work to help you! If it means you have to switch jobs in order to adopt the little ones you've fallen in love with, well, maybe that's what you can do...I know it may not have been the path you THOUGHT, but, if it brings you the child or children that you love, then, as adoptive mothers we'll do anything for our children right????? You may want to call some of these domestic agencies that you see advertised as well as calling a local adoption attorney from your area (who is experienced!!!) and ask them if your state has specific age requirements and marriage requirements, (length of marriage). I'd also call a couple of attorneys just so you get the same consistent information because I've used attorneys only to have them NOT know and I never thought to question them....so call a few attorneys to see if they're all lined up with the same information/requirements.... Plus, surely people at work can direct you to some local agencies too that can help you find out the requirements for Florida.... Best of blessings to you and your husband and enjoy this time in your life and be open and patient and READY for ANYTHING!! This is going to be a journey which you'll never forget!!! Blessings, Melody P.S. Keep me posted in what you find out okay? ;)

Hi ayame! We adopted our son through domestic parental placement. We searched for 4 months before connecting with his birthfamily. He was born 7 months later. We've met quite a few other parents through domestic parental placement, all became families within a year of starting their search. Unlike in International adoption, there is no 'set' timeline in domestic parental placement. We've seen friends connect and become parents within a day, a week, a month or 10 months. It makes for some exciting times. Since you have some time before you begin the process, I'd recommend doing the following: 1. Make sure you have all your 'papers' ready - copies of birth certificates, marriage license, divorce decrees (if any) etc. 2. Take some time to read and learn about the different ways to become a family. Some good books on domestic parental placement: "Adopting In America: How to Adopt Within One Year" by Randall Hicks; "The Open Adoption Experience" by Lois Molina; "Dear Birthmother" byKathleen Silber 3. Set a 'savings goal' for adoption-related expenses & work towards it. Garage sales, eBay, fund contributions in lieu of birthday and holiday gifts are all ways to help your fund grow. Hope this helps. Regina, AMom to Ryan Joshua Thomas