| International adoption opportunities are available for | | | | and desire for them to join your family that |
| people to be able to adopt babies, children and older | | | | prompted this decision and share this information as |
| children; you just need to know where to look and | | | | and when they are ready to understand this. Mention |
| to whom the correct people are to talk to. By this | | | | that sadly their parents weren't able on this occasion |
| we mean, the correct Local, Private or Governmental | | | | to be able to care for them but that you were. |
| Agencies. | | | | A lot of adopted children grow up to be successful |
| If at all possible, try and learn as much as you can | | | | and happy adults. Some even go on to be world |
| about the child you are trying to adopt - this might | | | | leaders in their chosen field. Others are just plain |
| not be that possible and if it appears impossible then | | | | good nice people and the world needs lots of these. |
| ask yourself why? There may be a reason for this | | | | Being adopted can affect children sometimes but it is |
| and sadly or tragically, you may want to reconsider | | | | important to remember that at all times these |
| your position on this if the correct answers to the | | | | children are just that, children and remember to give |
| pertinent questions aren't forthcoming. At the end of | | | | them lots of love and understanding and with that |
| the day, sometimes a leap of faith is required should | | | | you can help then gain their true potential. |
| you feel suitably motivated. International Adoption is | | | | Nobody is perfect, neither you nor your child. |
| not easy. | | | | Sometimes perfection is just too impossible to |
| If you can (and you should), avoid telling any other | | | | achieve and so don't try. |
| members of your extended family everything you | | | | Try to create a positive environment and try to use |
| know about your child's background - something's a | | | | positive language such as birth mother instead of real |
| child likes to keep private and especially any negative | | | | mother. Remember also that it does take time to |
| experiences should be shared when the child feels | | | | change people's attitudes. |
| the time is right and is comfortable. | | | | If your adult child decides he or she wishes to try |
| At all times do not keep the fact that they are | | | | and find their birth parent, this doesn't automatically |
| adopted secret from your child. Openly admit that | | | | mean that you have failed them in any way, they |
| they have been adopted and that it was your love | | | | need your support. |