What to Do if You’re Hoping to Adopt Without an Agency and It’s Not Working

Tips for adopting without an agency.

Sarah M. Baker July 12, 2016

Many people would like to adopt without the assistance of an agency. Whether it’s for budgeting purposes, feeling more organically connected, or feeling an ethical obligation to not line the pockets of the adoption industry, it’s a route a lot of people take and are successful in. But for every successful independent match made, there are likely dozens still waiting and getting nowhere. How do you get yourself on the upswing of that trend? Here are some tips to increase your luck and improve your chances of adopting without an agency.

1. A great online profile.

Whether you build a custom website, utilize a blog page, create a follow page on social media, or purchase a profile somewhere like Parent Profiles, it is a great idea to have a place you can send expecting parents who are considering adoption. Share this site with your friends and family and ask them to share it with their friends and family. The more you post, the more details you include, the more you put yourself out there, the more likely you are to be noticed and chosen.

2. Training.

Let your adoption training, as well as other education, show through in your profile. While you don’t want to sound like an adoption infomercial or just recite facts, show that you are prepared to honor the adoption by having the necessary training and by continuing your education.

3. Constantly re-evaluate.

Don’t go stagnant. Running water in a stream is far better than a puddle left to stand still. Whether it is changing your game plan or just consistently updating with fresh information, you need to keep the process moving. It also will help pass the time and keep you excited and invested in the journey.

4. Work with professionals.

You don’t have to hire an agency, but do find industry professionals for your profile building, training, counseling, the legal process, etc. It will keep you on track and help you with obstacles you could encounter.

5. Network.

Don’t just create a profile and cross your fingers that it does its job. Stay active in the process. Tell people about your journey to parenthood. Share your hopes and dreams to grow your family through adoption. Let people know where they can learn more about your adoption wait by sharing your profile location. Don’t be pushy or share inappropriately, but you never know where your match could come from.

What other suggestions do you have to help someone who may want to adopt without using an adoption agency? If you are someone who has adopted without an agency, or you have been going this route for a while, we’d love to hear your story. Share in the comments below!