There are many different options when it comes to adoption. Private/agency/local/international/open/closed/etc. The list goes on and on. When we decided to start our journey we knew we wanted a baby....and that's all we knew. Through searching and researching we came to where we are today. We wanted to highlight a few of the options out there for those that may be considering adoption but don't know where to begin.
Now before getting started we must preface this with letting you know that no one way is the right way. You must sit down, pray and discuss what the best option is for you spiritually, financially and logically for your family.
Department of Social Services (DSS):
Adoption through your local DSS is most likely the least cost monetarily, it does require a significant time commitment in the beginning. In our particular county we were required to take 30 hours of foster/adoption classes. In this class they cover a TON of information that is very helpful in handling situations emotionally and psychologically with adopted children as well as foster children. After the classes we got our background checks ($10ea) and each had to go and get a physical. From there your assigned social worker does all the necessary paperwork to get you into the system and on the waiting list. Now before going into this you need to know a few things. You are able to choose at the end of the class if you would like to be processed as foster only, foster to adopt or adopt only. We are on the adopt only list. Now with that being said, things can take a little longer if you are not wanting to foster. It is amazing how many people there are out there with the call to foster. We just do not happen to be those people. Yes, we have a heart for children and yes we want to help but we have not been called at this time to foster. Either option you choose is right for you! There are many details that go along with the foster to adopt process and many things that can go right, and many things that can go wrong as with anything in life. We will be having a guest writer post soon about their experience through the foster to adopt system. For more information about the details in your county contact your local DSS. :)
Agencies:
We did not know going into adoption that there was any other option than through an agency. Costs average about $30k. There are no guarantees as with going privately or fostering to adopt, you (in majority of cases) will not get any money back if the birth mom changes her mind as with going privately, there is more paperwork when working with an agency and more hoops to jump through. We personally did not feel right applying for loans and grants to go domestic when there are so many out there who felt called to go international and could use those loans and grants for there costs. Now do not take this the wrong way. We do NOT feel that agencies are a bad option. We feel FOR US and our personal beliefs that it is not the best choice. Feel free to ask us if you are wondering why this is so and we would love to share that with you. Just do your research on multiple agencies before choosing one. We have friends that are in the middle of their adoption Internationally. Take a minute to read their story http://apieceofthepyles.wordpress.com/about-our-adoption/
Private:
We chose to go through private adoption. What does this mean. Basically we find someone who knows someone who is pregnant and looking to go through adoption to give their baby a loving home and future. When this happens you hire an attorney (or 2 depending on the state) and they handle all of your paperwork and hearings and money and all that good stuff. You will still need to get a homestudy so they have that on file. Costs for private adoptions vary depending on the state the child is coming from, where you live, if they have insurance that covers the maternity, etc. Usually what we have found would be an estimate of $8k-$20k. Like I said, every situation is going to have a different cost associated with it. We will be expanding more about our journey through private adoption in upcoming posts.
With all option listed above you have no guarantees and no promises. What you can have is hope and faith. Its amazing when you decide to take that step of Faith how God blesses you and your journey. He doesnt call the qualified, just asks that we are willing. Will you be willing? Will you take that step of Faith? We would love to join you in your journey. Like I said before we don't have all the answers but we sure have learned a lot. We hope this helps someone out there!
~Adam & Amanda
