I Want To Adopt A Baby

So, you've thought to yourself "I want to adopt a baby." Maybe it was a passing thought at first. Maybe you are attracted to the idea of giving a child in a developing country the opportunity to live in a developed nation. Maybe that thought has been returning frequently now that you're settling in your career, have tied the knot and are thinking about the next step. Maybe you're too busy to take the time off work to have an infant of your own. The U.S. foster system has over 100,000 children waiting for adoption. Maybe the thought of adoption has come as an alternative to having a biological child. Maybe having a child is risky for your age or maybe having a child is not a possibility for you or your spouse.

Whatever reason you find yourself thinking, "I want to adopt a baby," make sure it's followed by thorough research about the adoption process and serious consideration of the follow-up question, "Why do I want to adopt?"

What kind of adoption do you want to pursue? Do you want to adopt an infant or an older child from foster care or overseas? What kind of resources do you have? Are you a traditional or nontraditional adopter? Am I in financial standings that will allow me to pay the service fees associated with infant and international adoptions? Do I qualify for aid? What kind of social support system do I have for myself and the child?

Adopting is a wonderful thing, but being sure it's the right decision and more than a fleeting thought will make it one of the best things to ever happen to you.