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Richard & Caryn
Advertising with ParentProfiles.com turned out to be our ace in the hole. At first, we weren't even sure that internet advertising would yield positive results. But, we took a chance and signed up for the premium package. After 4 months of receiving no contacts, we eventually did get responses. As we screened birthmothers we found the process heartbreaking and difficult. Yet, we perservered, determined that our "meant to be child" was waiting for us. After more ...
Unplanned Pregnancy, Adoption Agency, Birth Mother, Birth Father, Adoption Options
When working with adoption professionals, there are a lot of things to know and understand. This is because you'll need to find adoption professionals who will appropriately represent you and your needs, and that's not always easy. Working with adoption professionals requires you to know what you want and need throughout the adoption process. Throughout this section you'll find the following pages:
What is an Adoption Attorney?
An adoption attorney is someone who practices law and understands and has experience in federal and state adoption laws. Adoption attorneys can decide to work with any member of the adoption triad, but you may find attorneys that prefer to work with one specific group. This could be because the attorney has ample experience or knowledge in one area of the adoption process. The right adoption attorney will guide you through the adoption process, make you feel comfortable, and respect your needs.
What is an Adoption Facilitator?
Adoption facilitators help match adoptive parents with those wanting to place. There isn't certification for this, and most states allow it as long as they aren't paid. However, not all adoption facilitators will match others without being paid. The first thing you should do is check your state laws, in regards to payment for adoption matching or other adoption-related services
What is an Adoption Agency?
An adoption agency is a licensed organization that connects those placing and adoptive parents and help them continue through the adoption process. There are several types of adoption agencies from which to choose: governmental agency, non-profit, for-profit, and not-for-profit. However, even with the different types of agencies, each offers similar services.
Questions to Ask:
When working with and finding the right adoption professionals, there are many questions you should ask. These questions will help you determine which adoption professional is best for your situation and needs and help you more fully understand the placement process ahead of you. These questions range from experience level to licensing to availability. Asking questions is a way to keep yourself knowledgeable and ready for the next step of the process.
Finding a Professional:
When it comes to actually finding the adoption professional with whom to work, you have many resources available to you. First, ask your friends, family, and support group members for referrals. They may know of someone that can help you along your journey. You can also ask for referrals from local community members or hospitals. Another fantastic resource is the internet. A simple internet search can provide countless results of adoption professionals in your area. Give it a try, and you might be surprised with what you find.
Why is Honesty Important?
Honesty from all involved parties is crucial-that means you and the adoption professionals. Both sides must be honest for the professional relationship to work. You must be honest about where you've been and what you need and your adoption professional must be honest about his/her expectations of you and the process. Honesty also helps to build trust, which every successful relationship should have.
Communicating Your Needs:
Throughout this process, it's crucial that you communicate your needs. Be specific and be honest. If you don't communicate your needs, you needs may not be met. If your needs aren't met, chances are you won't be happy with the process or the end result of the placement. Talk to your adoption professionals about all your concerns, fears, and questions. Communicating your needs can make this experience a happier one.
Broaching Difficult Topics:
During this time, there may be some difficult topics to discuss. Some of those could include drug or alcohol abuse and health concerns for the child. While these are never easy to talk about, it is necessary to discuss these issues in detail with all participating adoption professionals.
Addressing the Issue of Race:
When it comes to finding the right adoptive family for your child, there are a few issues that may concern you. One of those issues is race. You may have a race preference, whether that is the same race as your child or a different one. Whatever your needs, talk it over with your adoption professionals. They can help match you with the right family.
Working with adoption professionals can take a lot of work and patience, but progressing through the placement process efficiently and correctly is worth it. If the process of finding the right adoption professionals is overwhelming, take it one step at a time.
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