Children of all ages are available for adoption.
All over the world, there are children available for adoption, whether the birth parents couldn't afford to raise a child or simple didn't want the offspring. If you are seeking to adopt an unwanted child, you have several options for achieving this goal. But first, determine if you are ready to expand your family. The decision to adopt is not one that should be made lightly.
Instructions
Foster Agency
1. Contact a foster-family agency in your community. If you need help finding one, your department of social services should have a list of foster and adoption agencies. The simplest and most cost-effective way to adopt is by using the services of a foster agency that specializes in adoptions. These adoptions rarely exceed a couple thousand dollars and often cost far less.
2. Become a foster (and potential adoptive) parent. This will allow children to be placed in temporary foster care in your home, and give you time to judge whether you are bonding well with a child before proceeding with any adoption.
3. Meet with social workers regularly to ease the child's transition into your home.
4. Attend any court hearings required to finalize the adoption.
Private Adoption
5. Locate a family attorney who specializes in adoptions and can lead you through the private-adoption process, during which the adopting parents deal directly with the birth parents. Note that the cost can reach as high as $40,000.
6. Find a child available for adoption. Your family attorney should have access to a list of candidates. The state agency that monitors adoptions should also have a list.
7. Meet regularly with social workers, counselors and your attorney during the adoption process.
8. Attend all legal hearings pertaining to the adoption.
International Adoption
9. Find a family attorney who is well-versed in international adoptions. These kinds of adoptions can cost up to $30,000.
10. Choose a country from which to adopt. With help from your attorney, have at least some understanding of the adoption laws of the country so you are prepared for any bureaucratic problems that could crop up and can adjust your personal schedule.
11. Travel to meet the child. Start absorbing the culture and language of the child's country. A basic understanding of where your child came from will help you ease his or her transition.
12. Meet with your attorney regularly during the process.
13. Attend all legal hearings pertinent to the adoption.
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