Five Keys to a Successful Adoption with Mardie Caldwell, COAP

v>Profile• In most cases, birthmothers will choose
Mardie Caldwell has helped thousands of couples buildyou from your profile - hard copy or from a website.
their families through adoption since 1986.  She has• Profile usually contains two elements:  Letter to
dedicated her life and career to helping bothbirthmother from you and photos of your life.
birthmothers and adoptive families find each other,• Your profile should cover essential topics like -
providing a safe and hopeful future for children.  Shelife in your home, people in your family, pets, fun
is also committed to adoption education through herthings you do. • Photos should be clear, focused,
internet talk show, Lets Talk Adoption and her newand good quality, and should show your interests and
book,lifestyle. • Your profile should present you
Mardie Caldwell has helped thousands of couples buildhonestly and accurately, showing a birth mom what
their families through adoption since 1986.  She hasher child’s life will be like. • Be prepared to
dedicated her life and career to helping bothsend out a lot of profiles.
birthmothers and adoptive families find each other,Third Key to Adoption Success: Qualified Adoption
providing a safe and hopeful future for children.  SheProfessionals• The key to choosing good
is also committed to adoption education through herprofessionals is research and learning more about
internet talk show, Lets Talk Adoption and her newwhat different professionals offer to the adoptive
book,parents and the birth parents.• Ask for referrals
First Key to Adoption Success: A Desire tofrom your agency, facilitator, or attorney. Check
Adopt• Resolve any infertility issues. • Answerreferences - BBB, Chamber of Commerce, Attorney
this question:  Do you want to be a parent or doGenerals office. • Ask for references of past
you want to have a biological child? • Realize thatclients and call or email them. • Before signing with
adoption is not “settling for second best”.any agency, facilitator, or attorney ask these
• Communicate openly and honestly, be sure bothquestions: • How long have you been doing
of you are 100% committed to adoption and inadoption work? • How long is your average
agreement as to what you are looking for.waiting period? • How many adoptions do you
• Resolve any extended family issues - Are theycomplete per year? • How much is does an
supportive?  Will they be accepting?average adoption cost through your organization?
Second Key to Adoption Success: A Good