| Whether you are working with an adoption agency | | | | Try to use more recent photos, so that they know |
| or planning to do an independent adoption, the | | | | how you look now. Wedding or dating photos are |
| creation of a profile for Birthparents considering | | | | fine, but keep them to a minimum. Variety is also |
| adoption to view is one of the most important parts | | | | important. Include yourselves individually, together and |
| of the adoption process. The profile is a way for | | | | with family and friends. Other children are also |
| Birthparents to learn a little about you as they are | | | | important to include in pictures, even if it is nieces |
| going through the process of selecting an adoptive | | | | and nephews, so they know that playmates are |
| family. The profile typically includes non-identifying | | | | around. Put a detailed description next to each picture |
| information such as first names, religion, hobbies, | | | | so they know what is going on and who is in each |
| occupations, and how long you have been married. | | | | photo. |
| We have all heard that first impressions are | | | | Make your pages colorful and unique. Go to a craft |
| important. Well, the profile is your opportunity for a | | | | store and buy colored paper, stickers and other |
| first impression with a Birthparent. It allows them to | | | | embellishments. Cut your pictures and fill your pages |
| get a feel for your lifestyle, personality and home life. | | | | with photos and writing. A white page with 2 4 x 6 |
| It is what can draw a Birthparent to you or push | | | | photos is boring, but a colorful page with 5-6 photos |
| them away, so you need to take your time on your | | | | and stickers is exciting. |
| profile and get a second opinion before completing it. | | | | Although our agency typically suggests making 8-10 |
| Most profiles include pictures and a Dear Birthparent | | | | photo pages, your agency might have a different |
| letter or mini autobiography. In this article I'm going to | | | | guideline. You don't want too little as it doesn't say |
| concentrate on the picture resume and how to put | | | | enough, but too much can be overwhelming for |
| that together. This picture resume is like an | | | | some Birthparents. Talk with your agency and see if |
| autobiography of your life in pictures. It allows | | | | they have any other helpful suggestions. |
| Birthparents to actually catch a glimpse of your life | | | | Agencies typically require profiles, but they are good |
| and the activities that you enjoy doing. | | | | for those seeking an independent adoption as well. If |
| When choosing pictures you need to choose pictures | | | | you are connected with a Birthparent, they can read |
| that reflect your hobbies, interests and lifestyle. They | | | | your profile before meeting. Either way, it is |
| should be active pictures instead of stiff, posed | | | | important that you make sure your profile and |
| pictures. Anyone can pose for a camera, but it is the | | | | picture resume is unique and that you take your time |
| photos that show actual activities that tend to catch | | | | putting it together. It needs to show exactly who |
| a Birthparent's interest. Show vacation pictures where | | | | you are and what kind of life your children will have. I |
| you are swimming in the ocean or riding a ride at | | | | often see the picture profiles being as important, if |
| Disney World. If you enjoy football, show a family | | | | not more important, than the letters as they create |
| friendly Super Bowl or tailgating photo. If you garden | | | | a first impression when a Birthparent begins looking |
| or enjoy outdoor activities, then show yourselves | | | | through the profiles. You want to make an open and |
| having fun in that activity. When they are viewing | | | | honest impression so that a Birthparent can truly get |
| these photos, they are envisioning the type of life | | | | a feel for what type of life their child will have with |
| their child would have with you. | | | | you. |