| When you are looking to adopt you should research | | | | Once you ask yourself these questions you can |
| different adoption agencies very carefully. There are | | | | develop a list of adoption agencies that you can |
| many things to consider in order to help you narrow | | | | request information from. Most adoption agencies will |
| down to a list of specific adoption agencies. Here are | | | | send you an information packet free of charge about |
| some questions to ask yourself before you being | | | | their adoption services. Research on the internet and |
| any research: | | | | write down agencies that you feel can meet your |
| 1. Do you want a domestic adoption (within the | | | | needs. Once you have at least ten ask them to send |
| United States) or an international adoption? | | | | you an information packet. Review the packets and |
| 2. If you do want to adopt internationally which | | | | throw away the ones that you do not like. With the |
| countries would you consider adopting from? | | | | remaining agencies call them and ask more questions |
| 3. Do you want to adopt an infant or older child? | | | | about their services, how they operate, and other |
| 4. Do you want to work with an adoption agency | | | | common questions. |
| close to your home or anywhere within the United | | | | Finally choose an adoption agency. Once you have |
| States? | | | | chosen an agency double check with the state |
| 5. How will you finance your adoption? | | | | licensing department and ensure that they are in |
| 6. How soon do you want to adopt? | | | | good standing. You may also want to check with |
| 7. Which races are you willing to adopt? (Caucasian, | | | | your local BBB to see if any complaints have been |
| Asian, African American, etc.) | | | | filed against them. Finally ask the agency for some |
| 8. Do you want a boy or girl? | | | | references of previous adoptive parents that you |
| 9. Do you have any special circumstances? | | | | can talk to personally. Once they have 'passed the |
| (single-parent, gay couple, older couple, etc.) | | | | test' you can start filling out the paperwork to adopt |
| 10. Do you know anyone who has adopted before? | | | | a child. |