Private Adoption Agency

Private adoption agency selection involves criteria such as cost, type of child, requirements, and waiting period. These facilities may specialize in infant, special needs, specific country, or teen as well as many other specialties. In general instate and international adoption agencies run the same involving and initial application and interview followed by information validation, payment arrangements, and pick up of the child. Though these categories are broad, they encompass the generality of the process. Requirements remain different from organization to organization, however the basic need for a loving and financially supportive home remains consistent throughout. Choosing the perfect situation will depend on the specific situation of the family wishing to adopt. Finding the perfect situation for the family wishing to adopt remains the job of the organization, which in most cases is the only way to adopt outside of family.

Choosing to adopt is just as serious and important as the decision to have a baby. The costs of adopting are usually greater than that of birthing, but otherwise it is the same ethical and commitment decision. Additionally, adopting requires scheduled visits from social workers in order to ensure home quality. These visits are not meant to intimidate, but rather ensure a quality fit for parent and child, likewise women choosing to put their children up for adoption due to unplanned pregnancy find comfort in knowing the home chosen for their child will be monitored. International adoption agencies work with social workers in the area to which to the family lives in to ensure quality. Once the child is received into the family they will only see their home country by personal choice of child (when of age) or parent. Contacting a private adoption agency can get a person in touch with area support groups or individual families who have given permission for other people to contact them. These people can encourage, answer questions, and further educated potential adopting families. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with [him], that we may be also glorified together. (Romans 8:14-17)

Though the cost varies depending on the private adoption agency chosen and the type of child desired, in general a person can count on spending at least $10,000 between paperwork and legal fees. Fully understanding the costs of paperwork as well as the cost to receive the child if using international adoption agencies such as plane tickets and amenities should be considered before starting the process. Understanding these costs can also be discussed with families who have already adopted. These people may also offer suggestions for food while overseas, gifts for international contacts, and items required for the new child when they get home. The cost of the actual process should be considered in addition to the normal cost of raising a child. These costs might be compared to those of a hospital stay and prenatal care. A private adoption agency gathers income information as well as inspects the house in order to get a feel for the way in which money is spent and how it is earned. Budget counseling is available through many government and local organizations outside the international adoption agencies. These services can aid in preparation for the financial burden of these costs.

Adopting when biological children are present in the house adds complexity to this enormous life change. The private adoption agency may offer literature or refer organizations that may offer support and assistance in preparing for that life change. Feelings of insecurity and confusion may overcome a child of any age when a parent decides to adopt. Carefully nurturing that child and communicating fully, to the level of their understanding, will help them feel included and loved equally. At this point only traditional feelings of sibling rivalry remain. Even if the child is only 2 years old, life change affects them dramatically. A positive attitude by the parents will further ensure a smooth transition once the adopted child comes home. Family meetings with existing children no matter if they are biological or adopted is necessary for smooth transition as well. Even the smallest of children can help prepare a room or color a picture for the new child. Global adoption agencies may offer additional suggestions based on the country to which the child is coming from.

Honoring an adopted childs home country while welcoming them into a new country may create some confusion, however International adoption agencies are trained and educated to answer these questions and offer suggestions. Purchasing items while in their home country eliminates the confusion about American made international items. Some families choose to save the items purchased at time of adoption as a memory box for when the child is older if adopted in infancy. Honoring traditional holidays such as Chinese New Year is important in order for the child to see people who look like them, especially as they get older, but is recommended from time of acceptance. Researching appropriate celebration rituals and area events make participation easier for the parents as well as the child. Due to the overwhelming amount of immigrants to America, opportunities for international events are somewhat easy to locate. Focus on the loving and honoring the adopted child remains the most important issue and subsequently all other things will follow.