ADOPTION IS A GREAT OPTION!

TODAY'S ADOPTION

Today's adoptions are much different than they used to be. Since the 1980's adoption has become much more open and appealing for the birthparents and adoptive parents. The sigma of fifty plus years ago, is a folklore that continues to mislead many woman and men in a crisis pregnancy. Also for the adoptive parents, the fears of their new child being removed from them years down the road is unwarranted in today.

Each situation is unique. Today's adoption plans offer options to meeting varying circumstances. Open adoptions and semi-open adoptions offer a relationship and a demension of intimacy that comes from sharing love for a child. Confidential adoptions place privacy at the center of the adoption arrangement, but do not prevent a child from needing to know his or her adoption story and the love behind it.

A reputable adoption agency encourages birthparents to select the adoptive family for their child. After the prospective adoptive parents complete a family assessment which inclues:

• Check for criminal backgrounds and for any history of child abuse or neglect;
• A review of the family's financial stability; and
• An assessment of lifestyle, values, and parenting abilities.

They create a profile (photos and information) that introduces their family to the birthparents.  The profiles also include information and photographs of the couple's home, family memebers, pets, financial status, childcare plans, why they are seeking to adopt a child and much more. Your agency will probably have many profiles to share with you.

Remember that adoption goes a step beyond choosing life for your baby. It is a quality of life decision for you and your child!