| As soon as ten to fifteen years ago, almost all | | | | You may be surprised to learn that some |
| adoption agencies had some very strict criteria about | | | | professionals will only work with people who are |
| who could adopt a baby... and about who could not | | | | under a certain age, while others have no age limits |
| adopt. Typically, you were expected to be a | | | | at all. You maybe didn't realize that some adoption |
| heterosexual married couple, under the age of 40, | | | | professionals will only work with people who are of a |
| and meet high financial income requirements. If you | | | | certain religions affiliation, either. In some cases, you'll |
| didn't fall within the "cookie cutter" family image that | | | | notice that an adoption professional does not openly |
| they were looking for, you wouldn't be able to | | | | announce his or her restrictions, but they seem to |
| domestically adopt a child. | | | | take a very judgmental approach. |
| Currently, the number of progressive adoption | | | | Adoption is already a confusing and stressful process, |
| agencies that have more liberal adoption standards | | | | there is no reason to work with anyone who is going |
| has been increasing steadily to reflect the needs and | | | | to make it even more stressful. There is no reason |
| changes within our society. In fact, when you work | | | | to work with any professional who may make you |
| with any adoption professional, whether it be with an | | | | feel judged or intimidated - simply find someone else |
| adoption attorney, adoption facilitator, or an adoption | | | | who is more open to different adoption scenarios. |
| agency, you will notice that there is a big difference | | | | Not all families need to resemble Leave it to Beaver |
| in their approach. | | | | or the Cosby Show to offer a loving and safe |
| When you are choosing the type of adoption | | | | environment for an adopted child. |
| professional to work with, you will want to take the | | | | No matter what your personal circumstances, if you |
| time to interview the different options before making | | | | are 45 years old, or unmarried for example - if you |
| your decision, particularly if you are a single individual | | | | can offer an adopted child love and safety, fulfill their |
| looking to adopt, someone over the age of 40, or in | | | | basic needs, and provide for their ongoing financial |
| a relationship that some might consider to be | | | | needs, there is an adoption professional out there |
| alternative. Not only are there differences among the | | | | who will be willing to help you find your child. |
| various types of adoption professionals, but no two | | | | Interviewing a few different adoption professionals |
| agencies or professionals within the same category | | | | to learn about their criteria for people who are eligible |
| will operate in the same manner, either. It's important | | | | to adopt will ensure that the professional you decide |
| that you are comfortable with your adoption | | | | to work with has your best interests in mind and will |
| professional and that they are willing to help you | | | | work with you to fulfill your personal adoption plan. |
| adopt according to your unique lifestyle. | | | | |