What is the process of adopting a child?
Adoption, whether public or private, is a long and often emotionally trying process that may cost up to $25,000 and require a wait of up to several years. Steps: 1. Decide what sort of child you want to adopt. Consider factors such as race, ethnicity, age and special needs. Your choice of a child will influence the kind of agency you use. 2. Select an agency. There are both private and public agencies; public agencies generally handle special-needs adoptions and adoptions of older children, while private agencies handle all domestic and intercountry adoptions. 3. Ask the agency for references, check on their licensing and inquire about fees and payment schedules. Fees required by public agencies, which are funded through state and federal monies, are much lower than those required by private agencies. 4. Once you’ve chosen an agency, complete an application form. 5. Participate in the home study, which will evaluate your potential as an adoptive parent. This process can take several mo
