| When you and your spouse make the choice to | | | | background checks. |
| adopt a baby in hopes of having a larger family, there | | | | 7. Complete Adoption Classes - it does not matter if |
| are twelve steps to go through. These do not | | | | you want to be a foster parent or an adoptive |
| change for local or out of the country adoptions. | | | | parent, in any part of the world, you are required to |
| 1. Knowledge Of Opportunities Available - you learn all | | | | complete adoption classes before the baby comes. |
| the important requirements for your state or the | | | | 8. Time to Choose the Child Or have One Chosen for |
| particular country of adoption like age, marriage | | | | You - This part is the hardest and longest part of the |
| years, how many children you already have, etc... | | | | whole ordeal. You can expect to spend a few weeks |
| 2. Adoption Type - choose the type of adoption that | | | | to a few months looking for the right child or for the |
| best suits you. It might be a local or out of the | | | | agency to search one out for you. You may also |
| country adoption. It might also be private through the | | | | need to meet the birth parents at this point. |
| parents, through an agency, or DSS. | | | | 9. Getting Ready To Bring The Child Home - This is |
| 3. Finances - Out of the country, adoption is more | | | | the time for any necessary items to be purchased. |
| expensive than a local one. If you decide to go | | | | This includes a crib, diapers, bottle, milk, pacifiers, |
| private, the cost is also higher. This is the step where | | | | toys, etc... it is also a great time to brush up on |
| you secure any loans, mortgages, and another job, | | | | caring for a child. |
| find a grant, or raise the money. | | | | 10. The Child Comes Home - It is time to bring your |
| 4. What Go-Between Do You Choose - This could be | | | | child home with you. An employee from the agency |
| a lawyer, adoption facility, lawyer etc... Any adoption | | | | will present you the child and have you fill out some |
| in Canada and America will incorporate a lawyer and a | | | | paperwork. You are now ready to take this child |
| social worker into the mix. | | | | home with you. It will not seem to be real. |
| 5. Fill Out the Forms - Once you have decided what | | | | 11. A Formal Petition For Adoption Is Filed With The |
| agency you want, start the process. You will meet | | | | Court - this is the official process for finalizing the |
| with some of the people who work there and talk | | | | adoption. You will travel to the courthouse, sign some |
| about what you want and what you are able to do. | | | | more papers, and the child belongs totally to you. It is |
| 6. Complete The Homestudy - It does not matter | | | | definitely time to cry! |
| what type of homestudy you choose, a homestudy | | | | 12. The Party Starts - it is the perfect time to give |
| is a necessary thing. It involves paperwork and | | | | the new child a huge party to welcome them and to |
| procedures with the prospective parents. They will | | | | let the family and those closest to you meet them. |
| look at your home; ask you about what it was like | | | | These twelve steps are common for all adoptions |
| for you growing up, about your marriage, about your | | | | except for a few minor adjustments. It is time to |
| finances, how you will do as a parent, and | | | | start! |