| Do not be discouraged by all the stories and rumors | | | | specialists in your area, request brochures and |
| you have heard about how hopeless and hard the | | | | handouts about adoption, join an adoptive parent |
| adoption process can be. These days, people of all | | | | support group or online community. |
| backgrounds and lifestyles can be considered for | | | | Screen any agencies or adoption attorneys you are |
| adoption. | | | | considering using; ask for references, check from |
| There are so many different kinds of children who | | | | complaints, and maintain a harmless skepticism when |
| need loving families. Decide if you want to adopt an | | | | it comes to making such a crucial decision. |
| infant or an older kid, a special needs child or perhaps | | | | Home study investigations can be difficult but try |
| a child of a different race. | | | | your best to keep your cool and remember that |
| In conjunction with the previous step, you need to | | | | there are no perfect parents. Do your best and your |
| decide whether or not you want to adopt within the | | | | true intentions and desires to adopt will be apparent. |
| United States or internationally. If you decide to | | | | When you come across a child you consider |
| adopt domestically, make sure you know and | | | | adoption, make inquiries regarding the child's health, |
| comprehend your state's adoption laws; they can | | | | social background, early life experiences, and birth |
| vary from state to state. If you are considering | | | | parents. The more you can learn, the better |
| international adoption, there are agencies that can | | | | prepared you will be to bring this child into your |
| help you that specialize in international adoption policy. | | | | home. |
| Do your research; find local agencies and adoption | | | | |