Adoption is a wonderful choice. Just look around. Adoption is changing the face of America, for the better. Individuals and couples all over the country are choosing adoption. So, is adoption right for you and your family?
The best way to truly know is to educate yourself. Below, we have provided some questions one might want to ask themselves before commiting to adoption.
How common is adoption?
Can adoption be my first choice in how to create a family?
Will my child be healthy?
How can I be sure the adoption was completely legal and ethical?
What is the difference between an open adoption and a closed adoption?
Should I consider adopting outside of my own race?
What are some of the qualifications I must have to become an adoptive parent?
How much does adoption cost?
What kind of support systems might I find as an adoptive parent?
Is some of the process beyond my control?
How common is adoption?
Very common. The Evan B. Donaldson Adoption Institute estimates over 2% of all U.S. children are adopted. While it is a private family matter, adoption is publically viewed as a wonderful and acceptable means to create a family.
Can adoption be my first choice in how to create a family?
Yes. Adoption does not have to be the last resort in creating your family. It can be your first choice. Children around the world are waiting for parents like you. Having a biologicial child is very special, indeed, and so is having an adopted child. Once a child enters your family, it no longer matters who their birth parents are. You are their parents now.
Will my child be healthy?
All international adoption programs, their host country, and your home country have specific requirements regarding the health of all adoptive children. These requirements and guidelines differ country to country, and are subject to case-by-case variations. What you can be sure of is that CCI will communicate all health concerns to you openly and constructively. Children do not come with guarantees, in poor countries and rich. CCI is committed to educating our parents and facilitating the best match for you and your new family.
How can I be sure the adoption was completely legal and ethical?
Work with a reputable adoption agency. Not a single country in the world is immune from illegal human trafficking. Experienced adoption agencies work with established personnel in country whose reputations are impeccable. This is often a reason why some agenices are more expensive than others. We only create relationships with those of the highest professinal integrity. We do not compromise. Adoption is a wonderful process that on occassion becomes confused with illegal practices. CCI is committed to promoting adoption as a viable means to create a family and always conducts itself in the most professional manner.
What is the difference between an open and closed adoption?
A closed adoption is when the birth parents do not wish to retain a relationship with their birth child. An open adoption is when one or both of the birth parents want to be known to their child and his/her adoptive parents. Both types have their advantages. It is truly a personal choice. In either case, the adoptive parents are the legal parents of the child.
Should I consider adopting a child outside of my race?
Adopting outside your race could be the best choice for you and your family. Many families have found transracial adoption to be a blessing. Still, adopting outside of one's race does present a unique set of challenges. Racism could be a hard issue to layer onto adoption. The good news is the rewards are being felt all over the country. Once again, education is the key. Learning more about your community, talking to other trans-racial families, and reading literature will help you decide if transracial adoption is right for your family.
What are some of the qualifications I must have as a parent?
The requirements vary country to country. For example some countries allow single parents while others do not. Other requirements could include age, parental health, marriage length, number of children currently living in the house, etc. One needs to carefully review this information as they consider each program. You can find all of this information centrally located on 'Program Comparison' page.
How much does adoption cost?
Adoption costs vary from country to country and from program to program. Generally, adoption expenses will total anywhere from $14,000 to $30,000. Regardless of the amount, CCI, as all reputable agencies, provides a breakdown of expected expenses, including when they will be paid, and a general explanation of what the expenses cover regarding the adoption process. It is important to remember that adoption expenses are not paid in order to buy a child, but rather to pay the expenses incurred for services related to the adoption.
What kind of support systems might I find as an adoptive parent?
There is a lot of support available for adoptive parents. Support can include available literature, other adoptive families, educational opportunities both in person or through media, etc. Many metro areas have adoption support groups, and some even have support groups specific to your country of choice.
Is some of the process beyond my control?
As parents, it is scary not to be in control of our child’s well-being. Whether it is a first-time father witnessing the birth of his child or a mother watching her sixteen-year-old driving the car for the first time, there are times we, as parents, will not be in control of the situation. When crossing the threshold toward adoption, parents will have moments like these. CCI educates parents to know when and where these moments might occur. Our experience becomes yours. Together, we will navigate the process and bring your family together.
