| * What are the different types of adoptions? | | | | types. |
| Adoption is the act of legally and permanently | | | | * What is the basic adoption process? |
| assuming custody of a minor who is not your | | | | Adoption can be a long and emotionally grueling |
| biological child. The different types of adoption include: | | | | process. Below I've provided a timeline of the basic |
| 1. Fost-adopt - The child is placed in the care of | | | | process: |
| trained and skilled foster parents. | | | | - 1 to 3 Months - Do some research and learn about |
| 2. Infant adoption - The child is adopted at birth or | | | | adoption. Read books about adoption, search the |
| during early infancy. | | | | internet and join support groups. |
| 3. International adoption - The adoptive parents | | | | - 3 to 6 Months - Make a prelimary decision about |
| adopt a child from a foreign country. | | | | the type of adoption that may be right for you. You'll |
| 4. Waiting child adoption - This term refers to | | | | need to consider things about your own |
| adopting a non-infant child, most commonly a toddler. | | | | circumstances first - age, marital status, profession, |
| 5. Step-child adoption - The child is legally adopted by | | | | financial resources and emotional preparedness. Then, |
| his or her step-parent. | | | | you should consider the characteristics of the child - |
| 6. Older child adoption - Adoption of a child over two | | | | age, medical and social history of the child, disabilities |
| years of age. | | | | and race of child. |
| 7. Relative adoption - The child is legally adopted by | | | | - 6 to 9 Months - Complete a homestudy. A |
| family members who are not his or her own parents. | | | | homestudy is mandatory to show your are qualified |
| 8. Special needs adoption - This term refers to | | | | as an adoptive parent. It may be a bit uncomfortable |
| adopting children who have physical, mental, or | | | | to have a stranger come into your home, but rest |
| emotional abnormalities. | | | | assured, their interest is in helping you. |
| 9. Military and overseas adoption - A child is adopted | | | | - 9 to 12 Months - Receive a child referral |
| by military personnel or overseas workers. | | | | (international) or birthmother selection (domestic). |
| 10. Adult adoption - An adult is adopted by another | | | | Arrange for a referral documentation review by an |
| adult who is not his or her own parent. In this type | | | | adoption medical specialist. If this is an independent |
| of adoption, even senior citizens may be adopted by | | | | adoption, you will make arrangements for payment |
| younger adults. | | | | of the birthmother's expenses as well as with the |
| * How long does adoption take? | | | | medical providers. |
| The length of the adoption process depends on the | | | | - 12 to 24 Months - Placement of child or birth of |
| type of adoption you have chosen. It can be as | | | | baby. Getting to this stage can seem like an eternity. |
| short as a month or it can take longer than a year. | | | | Enjoy...You are a new parent! Find professional |
| * How much does adoption cost? | | | | suggestions for bonding with your baby/child and |
| Adoption may be anywhere from free of charge to | | | | learn from other adoptive parents. |
| very expensive, depending on the terms and | | | | - 18 to 30 Months - Adoption Finalization. Arrange for |
| conditions agreed upon by the agency and the | | | | post-placement reports, as required by your state. |
| adoptive parents. Adoption costs also depend on the | | | | Select an attorney for a final court hearing or learn |
| type of adoption you have chosen. Normally, | | | | how to represent yourself. |
| international adoption is expensive compared to other | | | | |