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5 Things You Need to Know Before You Decide to Adopt a Child

While it is most certainly a fulfilling journey, deciding to expand your family by adopting a child is not a quick process in most cases. There are many steps to adoption, not including the potential obstacles you might encounter on your path. So, to provide you with some insight, we made a list of things you should know before deciding to adopt a child. Take a look.

You Decide to Adopt a Child

1. Do Your Research

Seeing as how this is often a long and complicated process, you want to start by doing your research. You should be prepared for what to expect during every step of your adoption journey. If you are sure this is something you want to do, you can start by reading adoption books and online articles to better understand everything that is required of you as well as see other people’s experiences.

You Decide to Adopt a Child

There is no guarantee that your process will be the same as someone else’s but it can help prepare you for the worst-case scenario. Then, you can also talk to acquaintances who went through the same thing or even find people online who are willing to share their story and answer all the questions you might have.

2. Understand What You Want

Before you start the adoption process, it’s also good to better understand what you want from it. Why are you doing it, first of all? Are you feeling pressured by your family or society? If this is not something that you desire, it can turn out bad. Is adoption your last option? Will you be able to love a child that is not biologically related to you?

If you are having any doubts here, it’s best to wait a while until you are certain this is the right path to take. Once you are certain, there are other matters to consider. Would you like a boy or a girl, or does it not matter? How old would you like the child to be? Are you open to kids with special needs? Is there a specific ethnic background that you are interested in? Do you want a domestic or an overseas adoption? How much contact are you willing to have with the birth family? Are you adopting on your own or with a partner?

If alone, these decisions might be easier to make. On the other hand, you have to come to an agreement with your partner and ensure you are on the same page before you hire a professional and begin your search.

3. Choose Adoption Professionals

You should know that adoption scams are quite common these days, which is why finding a reliable agency and lawyer to work with is essential. First, you have to look into local adoption agencies and do plenty of research to ensure the professionals you get in touch with are trustworthy.

Then, seeing as how it is also important to do everything according to law, you want an attorney on your side as well. If you live in NSW, you can find local Sydney lawyers that are experienced in local and international adoption law, which will be of immense help if you decide on adopting a child from another country.

You Decide to Adopt a Child

4. Prepare Your Paperwork

Once you hire an agency, you will be required to complete an adoption preparation seminar after which you can apply for the process. For this, you need to prepare all your paperwork. To make the screening and assessment faster, you should gather all your documents such as medical reports, birth and marriage certificates, criminal record checks, personal references, and whatever else you are asked for.

You don’t want something crucial to be missing so that you have to prolong this process. Still, be aware that the assessment takes a few months and there will be several home visits to ensure your home is a safe space for the child.

5. Don’t Ignore Your Finances

Finally, keep in mind that adoption can be very expensive. You need to be sure you can afford it before you start the entire process as it can be delayed if you run into financial troubles. If you don’t have enough money in your savings account, you can research organizations that donate to people looking to adopt as well as adoption grants.

All in all, adopting a child can’t happen overnight; however, if you are properly prepared, you won’t be as stressed out and you’ll know what to expect. Good luck on your journey!


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