| Whether you have chosen to adopt because of | | | | prepare for the arrival of the child and with parenting. |
| infertility or because you want to expand your family | | | | Your agency will advise you of their preferred |
| and provide love and shelter to a needy child, | | | | method for the home study (as there are several |
| adoption can be a rewarding choice. There are | | | | ways to complete the state requirement). The study |
| several steps you must take after choosing adoption. | | | | will include at least one visit with a social worker in |
| First, you need to decide whether to adopt through | | | | your home, and possibly some educational classes |
| a public or private adoption agency. Do some | | | | with other adoptive families. Finally you will be |
| research and compare the pros and cons of each | | | | required to have a physical exam, a fingerprint inking, |
| side. Once you decide what type of agency fits you | | | | and a background check. The average home study |
| best, you can request information from several | | | | takes about two months to complete. |
| agencies in your area. | | | | Finally, the only step left is to wait. Your waiting |
| Next, attend several agency orientations. The | | | | period depends on many factors. Adoptive parents |
| orientation will show you in detail how each agency's | | | | and birthmothers or children are matched according |
| process works and give you an opportunity to ask | | | | to the requirements and needs for both parties. |
| questions. You will also be given the fees of each | | | | Adopting a child of another race besides Caucasian |
| agency. Also, you will have the opportunity to hear | | | | may significantly reduce your waiting time. A |
| from and talk with birth mothers, parents who have | | | | Caucasian newborn adoption usually takes two to |
| adopted, and other couples considering adoption. | | | | five years. An international adoption may take up to |
| After attending several orientations, you can | | | | a year or more, depending on the foreign country. |
| compare their procedures and choose the one that | | | | After receiving the child, the parental rights of the |
| you feel comfortable working with. | | | | birthparents will be terminated. After the child has |
| After choosing the agency, you will need to return | | | | been in your home for six months, the social worker |
| the application and registration fee to them. After | | | | must submit a recommendation for approval, and a |
| the agency has reviewed and accepted your | | | | judge finalizes the adoption by giving you all legal |
| application for adoption, you must complete a home | | | | rights and responsibilities to your child. The adoption |
| study. The main purpose of the home study is to | | | | process is now complete and you have a child that is |
| evaluate the environment the child would be raised in. | | | | yours to love and raise. |
| It aims also to help you as adoptive parents to | | | | |