Interested in International adoption

Hi,My understanding is that the Canadian provinces each handle international adoption differently, so the experiences of posters from the USA or other countries might not be relevant. Furthermore, the "sending countries" each have different criteria of eligibility. Over the internet, particularly without knowing more about where you are and what countries interest you, no one can give you an idea regarding your eligibility. I recommend that you attend some information sessions in your community and find other prospective adoptive parents and agencies to talk to.

1. Your age difference won't be a problem, in most countries. 2. You will not be able to adopt as a couple if you are not legally married, and many agencies and countries will expect you to have been married for a certain number of years before you can adopt. If you choose not to marry, one of you will have to adopt as a single and then, if any Canadian provinces allow "second parent adoption" -- a few American states, usually those with a large gay population, do -- you can do one of these to grant your unmarried partner parental rights. Fewer countries are open to singles than to couples, at this time, and you, rather than your partner, would probably have to do the adoption, since most of the countries that are open to international adoption do not accept single men. 3. Some things to do (and not do) to get ready to adopt: a) Get the best education you can, so that you have the most job opportunities. You will need steady income in order to adopt, and it is expensive to raise children. b) Work on developing a strong history of stable employment, since your homestudy will need to document it. c) Develop a savings plan and be disciplined about putting money into it. You will need money for the adoption fees, as well as for emergencies after you adopt -- for example, a period of job loss, parental illness, child medical problems, etc. d) If you have a lot of debt, try to lower it. A mortgage is fine, but pay off and cut up some of your credit cards. Most homestudy workers will be concerned if you have low savings and high debt. e) Learn as much as you can about raising children and, particularly, internationally adopted children. As an example, I volunteered in a children's hospital for four years, in preparation for adopting. f) Get into good physical shape. Raising kids is strenuous. If you are overweight, shed some pounds. If you are sedentary, start exercising. g) Build a strong family or social support system. Times sometimes get tough when you are a parent, and it's good to have people around who can help out, or at least give moral support. If you are estranged from family members, mend fences. If you don't have close friends, get involved with organizations where you can get to know other people, especially other adoptive or prospective parents. Help other people, and they may be more willing to help you in the future. h) Become a more interesting person. Kids need to see adults who like their jobs and have interesting outside interests, so that they realize that growing up is a positive thing. So find a hobby, take a class in something interesting, get active in organizations, etc. i) Keep your record clean. One of the worst things you can do, while you wait to commence an adoption, is to commit a crime. Even a "DUI" (driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs) can stop you from adopting from some countries. j) Learn as much as you can about adopting. Become an expert on your countries of choice, so that you can make good informed choices of agencies and so on. Feel free to post specific questions, and we all will try to help you. Sharon

The adoption of a child who is a citizen of one country by adoptive parents who are citizens of a different country. U.S. citizens adopt thousands of infants and children each year from Eastern Europe, Asia and Latin America. In fiscal year 1998, 15,774 children from other countries were adopted by U.S. adoptive parents. The children sometimes travel halfway around the globe until they meet their FOREVER FAMILY for the first time.