Where do you start? I am so overwhelmed!

September 3, 2005

FIrst of all, i am new here. My husband and I have juggled adoption for awhile. We have tried for a baby going on 2 years now and have proudly decided to turn to adoption to start our family.

I have NO idea who to call first. I've articles talking about agencies that handle the adoption with a lawyer, adoptions w/o agencies only a lawyer, agencies that did the home study but no the adoption etc. I am SO confused!

We have decided on open adoption and we live in FL. Where can I go to find out criterea for couples adopting in FL. Do I have to contact an agency first? We have received a packet in the mail from "Independent Adoption Center". However, they are only licensed in about 4 states to do the homestudy, so how do THEY take care of our adoption, etc.

Sorry for all the questions.... If they had a book called "Adoption for Dummies", I'd be first in line.

ladybird1980

September 8, 2005

I adopted my daughter in FL through the departmen of Children and Families. I did a search and the number to call is 1-800-96-ADOPT. They should be able to point you in the right direction. I don't know where in FL you live so would be unable to give you agencies.

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ses1230

September 9, 2005

KristenMarie,

There is a book called Adoption for Dummies!!! I read it when we first started our adoption process. I got it at a local bookstore, but you can probably find it on the internet - maybe amazon?

If the agency you are working with is not licensed in the state where the baby is born, you have to hire another agency and/or attorney to do the paperwork, relinquishments, etc.

Your homestudy can be done by hiring a homestudy professional in your area to do it. I found ours on EDITED TO REMOVE URL TO ADOPTION PROFESSIONAL SERVICE

To answer your question "Do I have to contact an agency first?" - well if you chose to work with an agency, then yes. We did not chose to work with an agency - ours was a private adoption. You just have to figure out what will work best for you.

Good luck!

OneHappyFamily

September 10, 2005

I do not live in Flordia but I would start by asking people who you know who have adopted successfully. If you do not know anyone who has adopted try your religious organization , like a Jewish, Luthern or Catholic organization. If you are willing to adopt an older child try your State Department of Family and Children Services, by the way this is the least expesive way to adopt. Good luck our adoption process has been wonderful.

Cathy

Jensboys

September 10, 2005

Just a reminder that all information about Fee Based Adoption Services must be passed on through Private Message.

Jensboys

pupcharade

September 11, 2005

Hi,

I am a birthmother and found parents for my son through a church a friend went to. Talk to friends and let it be known you are looking to adopt. Be patience. It will happen:)

Good luck to you!