Hoping to adopt?
My partner and I are in the process of getting our homestufy finished up and have been in contact with a few public and private adoption agencies. At this point because of being a same sex couple, age differences, and my partner having a disability, we are only looking at Domestic Adoptions (though in the future we may look internationally).
We are looking not only at infants but (younger) children in foster care. We are planning on hiring a private adoption agent or working with an agency.
We are also considering putting a profile online to perspective birthmothers. However many of the places I have found charge RIDICULOUS amounts of money to host your profile. It would be cheaper for us to just start a webpage of our own!
Does anyone know any recourses for profiles of couples hoping to adopt? Gay friendly would be helpful…
I posted a whole list here once but now can’t find it. There are many, but most don’t get enough traffic, even if they’re free. The largest, Parent Profiles, unfortunately doesn’t allow gay or lesbian couples. In fact when they were sued under CA anti-discrimination laws they decided they would rather NOT ALLOW CA couples at all rather than allow gay and lesbian profiles.
Might I suggest researching Independent Adoption Center at http://www.adoptionhelp.org
They appear to be (I have only reviewed their site) fairly respectful and ethical in their dealings with expectant moms, do not discriminate for adoptive couples, and have a decent profile site. Also they only do open adoptions which I think is preferable
5 Keys to a Successful Adoption for Military Families
There are five key things for military families to know in order to have a successful adoption. By following these five keys, military families will be able to overcome some of the specific obstacles that face them during the adoption process.
1. An optimistic attitude
Although attitude is not everything, an optimistic attitude can be a source of strength when going through the adoption process. Remember what the end result is going to be; the adopting of an adorable loving child will keep you in an optimistic mood.
2. Knowledge of the Interstate Compact for the Placement of Children (ICPC)
This is an agreement between states to work together for what is best for the children in their state. The agreement is meant for adoptive families that wish to adopt outside of their state. The states will work together to provide resources to families and children from other states during and after an adoption placement.
Many military families are aware of this agreement, but may not be aware of the fact that ICPC is also in effect for military bases overseas. Because military bases are U.S. territories, any family based internationally can still adopt from the states through the ICPC.
3. Vast resources of information
There are numerous websites devoted to helping military families during the adoption process. It can sometimes be overwhelming trying to find information that is actually helpful to your situation. Here are a few very informative websites:
” Let’s Talk Adoption with Mardie Caldwell, COAP and USA Adopt are great resources for information on the adoption process.
” Your Judge Advocate General (JAG) can tell you more about the policies between states (ICPC) and international policies on adoption.
” A local social worker can provide information on the home study process
4. An adoption professional that is excited to work with you
Finding the right adoption professional can be a long and daunting task. But once you locate a good adoption professional, they can guide you in the adoption process. Their skill and knowledge will make the whole process easier for you. Visit Let’s Talk Adoption with Mardie Caldwell, COAP for some great advice in finding the right adoption professional.
5. A Fantastic Profile
Get started on your profile today. Even if you have not found the perfect adoption professional yet, you can still start putting together your dynamic profile. Especially if you are planning on adopting an infant, you will need to have a profile that will show off what a great life you have and how well you will provide for your new addition. Pieces of this profile are also sometimes added to a home study, so even if you are looking at only adopting an older child, you can start putting together this information right away.
There are many options for military families looking for assistance with adoption. Below are service providers who have experience helping military families with adopiton and who may be able to help you too!
Have you thought about adopting a child but don’t know where to start?
Lifetime Adoption is holding free informational meetings and teleconferences to help families learn more about how they can be blessed through adoption. African American Adoptions Online offers grants for families adopting African American and biracial children. Good opportunity for interested military families.
About the Author
Mardie Caldwell, C.O.A.P. is a Certified Open Adoption Practitioner, an award winning author of 2 adoption books Adopting Online and Adoption: Your Step-by-Step Guide. Mardie is also the talk show host of Let’s Talk Adoption.com with Mardie Caldwell and the founder of Lifetime Adoption in 1986. She travels and speaks nationwide on adoption topics, family topics, infertility and writing. She has been quoted in and consulted for Parenting and Adoption magazines and has appeared on CNN, CBS, ABC, BBC, NBC, and Fox. Featured in Parade Magazine, Caldwell is an adoptive mother living in Northern California.
Rob and Marie’s YouTube Adoption Profile
