Adopting a Child

Years ago, after a period of struggling with infertility and failed attempts to get pregnant, my husband and I began exploring the option of . We eventually decided to not pursue adoption, but for many couples unable to have a child, adoption is an excellent alternative. There are tens of thousands of children adopted every year in the U.S.

Adoption can be a complicated and expensive process. In the U.S., adoption laws vary from state to state. Intercountry adoption is even more complicated, because not only do U.S. federal and state laws need to be considered, but the laws of the child’s home country come into play. Navigating through either type of adoption process can take a considerable amount of time and can become incredibly stressful.

One of the important steps to a successful adoption is learning about, and fully understanding, theadoption process. There are so many things to prepare and consider when contemplating an adoption. The good news is that there are many resources available for families considering adoption. Here are just a few resources that I found:

Adoption Assistance by StateAdoptUsKidsAdoption Support GroupsChild Welfare Information GatewayCosts of AdoptingList of Child Welfare Related OrganizationsMedlinePlus AdoptionNational Foster Care & Adoption Directory SearchSupport Groups for Adopting FamiliesTax Adoption Credit

For those of you pursuing adoption, my thoughts are with you as you navigate this journey. If you have an adoption story or experiences that you are willing to share, please post a comment.

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