For a country as big and diversified as the US, adoption records are very important to keep.

What is adoption?

Adoption is the lawful act of permanently admitting a child with a parent or parents other than the birth mother or father. In accordance to an adoption order a parent or parents are liable to transfer parental responsibilities and rights over the child onto the adoptive parent or parents. Once an adoption is finalized, there is no authorized distinction between adopted children and those born to the parents. According to adoption records adoption has gained persistent standing in American society.

Who adopts

At present, studies say that in the United States 1 in 5 couples of childbearing age encounter grave problems in trying to conceive a baby. For these people, being able to boast the joy of being a parent becomes a goal which is hard to pin down. They seek an adoption as a substantial alternate to their inability to ever become birth parents. Having a child to love and care for is what brings joy to millions of infertile couples around the world. Adoption is also undertaken by individuals and couples who wish to give an orphan child the love and importance of a parent in their poignant lives.

Adoption in the United States

1992 was the end year National Adoption totals were collected in the USA, however adoption records from foster care homes and other non-government bodies allows us to get a rough estimate on the numbers. Back then 127,000 annual adoptions in the U.S was recorded. As of 2002, United States consisted of 1.5 million adopted, which was over 2% of all US Children. Adoptive parents have to pay virtually nothing to US$40,000 to adopt a child.

In recent years International Adoption through agencies has also become very popular in the United States. Amid 1971 and 2001, U.S. citizens adopted 265,677 children from other countries. The figure of children pending adoption decreased from 132,000 to 118,000 during 2000 to 2004.

In 2005 the U.S. Department of State declared that 22,728 visas were given to orphans coming into the United States, 7,906 being from China(Mainland), followed by Russia with 4,639 and Guatemala 3,783.

Adoption law vary from state to state, and federal laws also influence many procedures prior and after, connected with the adoption record process. It is important that placing and adopting parents, as well as those looking for family members are aware of legislations beforehand.



Thanks to Brian Williams for contributing this article to our Adoption blog:

International Adoption Kazakhstan

Choosing adoption is a big step. I would like to discuss a variety of topics that will help with making the decision to adopt an informed, thought provoking one. The goal of this article is to provide information and resources that will help in choosing adoption. The result, I hope, is to help any child be placed in a home where they are wanted, appreciated and loved and to provide any caring adult, tools they can utilize to make choosing adoption a reality.

Let’s begin by asking yourself, “Am I ready?”. This is a logical place to start because by choosing adoption you are choosing to change the dynamics of your life forever. This of course is said not to scare you away from the idea of adoption but to merely point out the realization of this fact. Once you have done your homework and a lot of soul searching and are still choosing to adopt, you may have come across the most rewarding experience of your lifetime.

With choosing adoption comes many decisions immediately following: What adoption agency will I use? Do I want to adopt a boy or a girl? When I adopt, will the child be an infant? 5 yrs. old? or a teenager? These are all important questions that need to be addressed.

Adoption Agencies

One must be very careful when choosing adoption agencies for obvious reasons. The search for one on the internet, you may find is a challenge. I have done some homework and have found a couple of links that may be helpful:

http://www.adoption.com – In the topics menu under adopting click “guide”

http://www.comeunity.com/ – Great for resources

Do I want a boy or do I want a girl?

My wife and I have raised 3 boys and 2 girls and I must say that it is a different experience one from the other, but rewarding all the same. This is a choice that must be thought out and discussed when choosing to adopt. Much has been written regarding adopting a boy vs. a girl and I would encourage you to visit the websites listed above as a source of information. Ultimately, this is a matter of preference. The dedication and commitment to love another human being far out weighs this choice you must make.

Through communication with your spouse, a decision should be reached. Just remember, not everyone gets to choose, so this should be a pleasant choice to make.

Choosing the age of the child

Now this is a tough one. On average more infant girls are adopted than any other age/gender combination. But looking into the various challenge of each age group, may prove to be helpful. This is where you choose how the dynamics of your life will change. Really give this decision consideration when choosing to adopt.

Responsibilities and what to expect by age group:

Infant: very dependent, may keep you up at night, feeding, changing diapers, bathing, washing, wiping, burping, parent/child play time, reading time

1-3 yrs: Crawling, walking, teeth brushing, beginning to talk, bathing, exploring, breaking household items, parent/child play time, reading time, lots of energy

3-5 yrs: Learning ABC’s, asks why a lot, exploring, human sponges, parent/child play time, bathing, child making friends, child brushing their own teeth with assistance from parents, reading time (both child and parent read)

6-8 yrs: Learning, attention span improving, lots of energy, children should be brushing their own teeth, parent child play time, wanting to do more on their own, reading time, teach them how to do chores that are age appropriate, may want to begin organized sports or activities

9-11 yrs: Study habits, learning how to do for themselves, increased chore responsibility, becoming more independent, communicating regularly

12-14 yrs: Preteen and becoming a teenager, hormones, relationships, friendships, study habits, communicating regularly, extra curricular activities, spreading their wings.

15-18 yrs: On the road to becoming an adult, education, future planning, relationships, having the “birds and bees” talk, communicating regularly

Of course this list merely scratches the surface but all in all I think you get the idea. Choosing adoption to begin or extend your family can be very rewarding. It is a big decision and through research and communication, you may find that choosing adoption is the right fit for you and your family.

Remember the best way, when choosing anything, is to be informed.



Thanks to Dan Tannar for contributing this article to our Adoption blog:

Adoption Attorney

Choosing an adoption agency may seem like a scary task. There are some companies that want your business and might make promises that seem too good to be true. That’s why it is so important to follow these few places you should look when choosing the right agency. In the end, when you are holding that chld you arms, it will be more than worth it. Make sure you do your research and ask lots of questions along the way.

1. Hit the Child Welfare Information Gateway by visiting www.childwelfare.gov. This government run website is going to give you a wealth of information about adoption and other topics. The CWIG was formed when the National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect and the National Adoption Information Clearinghouse combined. Here, the you find statistics and data about adoptio, what options are available to you and what to except before, during and after the process. There are other pertinent websites to vists such as www.adoption.com, but this should be your first visit.This is such an informative website, it’s a must read for anyone considering adopting.

2. Find directories on the Internet. There are many sites out there that can give you directories for international, national and local adoption agencies. Check with each adoption agency that suits your needs. Once you have decided to contact an agency check the requirements of the adoption agency. This is very important. Find out your state regulations for adoptions and make sure the agency you choose meets all of them. You could also explore online community groups to get opinions on different adoption agencies. You don’t want to be in the dark when choosing one because this is important decision.

3. Check with local libraries, school and churches. Many times these places hold classe or seminars about adoption. They are informative by giving you information you will need in the process. They will explain the procedures involved, what types of decisions that will be made during the course of the adoption and what to expect. They will also explain paperword and timetables. These programs are informative because now you have something to speak to about any questions you might have about adoption. There are will be other prospective parents who are in similar situation and can help each other out. There will also be people who have gone through the process who will be able to help you out.

4. Find other parents. By finding people who have adopted children, you can find out every little detail about the process from choosing the right agency to preparing your home for a child. Pick their brains and get as much information as you can. It will make the process easier for you if you know what is expected.

You will find out that choosing the right adoption agency is probably the most important step. It begins a long process of finding the right child to bring into your home. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or ask for help during the process. Also, be vigilant throughout the ordeal. You do not want any surprises along the way.



Thanks to Abhishek Agarwal for contributing this article to our Adoption blog:

Adoption Tips

Can you answer Mal88’s question about Adoption?:

I live in America and I want to give my baby up for adoption, but I don’t want it to grow up in America. So far all I can find is information on Americans adopting babies from other countries when I want to do the opposite.

Adopting From Foster Care

Can you answer Looney Tunes’s question about Adoption?:

Do you think it would increase adoption through foster care?

Or would nothing happen because it’s really about “the baby” and “not the true needy?”
My point is that MANY people do not even think about or KNOW about adopting kids through foster care…so the option is not even considered because people DON’T KNOW.

How to Make Money Online

Can you answer skatergurljubulee’s question about Adoption?:

Hi,
I want to verify some of what the adoption agencies I’m interested in have been saying. Does it cost money to search the online database? I am aware that some adoptive parents that sign onto an Agency have gag orders, but should that really stop them (Actually, I should make that another question entirely!)?
If any one knows the answer to this question, it would be greatly appreciated.

Adopt A Rescue Pet

Can you answer maybe’s question about Adoption?:

How well was open adoption researched before adoption agencies and attorneys began to offer this option?

Was there much thought about the effect on the either the child, the natural mother, or the adoptive family?

Do people enter into open adoption agreements thinking it will be easier on all parties involved?

Are possible complexities explored before the open adoption is agreed to?

I’m asking this because there are a lot of questions about both mothers and adoptive families who have difficulty keeping in touch and honoring the open adoption agreement. What are your opinions?
Thanks to everyone for telling your stories, opinions, and research. All of the answers are informative and important – I can’t choose a best answer, so I will put the question to a vote.

Thank you!

How to Make Money With a Genesis Site

As soon as ten to fifteen years ago, almost all adoption agencies had some very strict criteria about who could adopt a baby… and about who could not adopt a baby or child. Typically, you had to fit a “cookie cutter” like mold of the perfect family. You were expected to be a heterosexual married couple, under the age of 40, and meet high financial income requirements in order to prove your ability to adequately care for the adopted baby. If you didn’t fall within this “cookie cutter” family image that the adoption agencies were looking for, you wouldn’t be able to domestically adopt a child.

Currently, the number of progressive adoption agencies that have more liberal adoption standards has been increasing steadily to reflect the needs and changes within our society. In fact, when you work with any adoption professional, whether it be with an adoption attorney, adoption facilitator, or an adoption agency, you will notice that there is a big difference in their approach.

When you are choosing the type of adoption professional to work with, you will want to take the time to interview the different options before making your decision, particularly if you are a single individual looking to adopt, someone over the age of 40, or in a relationship that some might consider to be alternative. Not only are there differences among the various types of adoption professionals, but no two agencies or professionals within the same category will operate in the same manner, either. It’s important that you are comfortable with your adoption professional and that they are willing to help you adopt according to your unique lifestyle.

You may be surprised to learn that some professionals will only work with people who are under a certain age, while others have no age limits at all. You maybe didn’t realize that some adoption professionals will only work with people who are of a certain religions affiliation, either. In some cases, you’ll notice that an adoption professional does not openly announce his or her restrictions, but they seem to take a very judgmental approach.

Adoption is already a confusing and stressful process, there is no reason to work with anyone who is going to make it even more stressful. There is no reason to work with any professional who may make you feel judged or intimidated – simply find someone else who is more open to different adoption scenarios. Not all families need to resemble Leave it to Beaver or the Cosby Show to offer a loving and safe environment for an adopted child.

No matter what your personal circumstances, if you are 45 years old, or unmarried for example – if you can offer an adopted child love and safety, fulfill their basic needs, and provide for their ongoing financial needs, there is an adoption professional out there who will be willing to help you find your child. Interviewing a few different adoption professionals to learn about their criteria for people who are eligible to adopt will ensure that the professional you decide to work with has your best interests in mind and will work with you to fulfill your personal adoption plan.



Thanks to Cindy Simonson for contributing this article to our Adoption blog:

Cost Of International Adoption

Can you answer pinksmoochies’s question about Adoption?:

I DO NOT WANT AN ABORTION MORALITY DEBATE! I’VE HEARD ANYTHING YOU COULD POSSIBLY SAY.

For the purpose of research, I was wondering if anyone knew what adoption agency or agencies the late Dr Tiller referred to (I know he tended to use one specific one.)
Protest? I volunteer for Planned Parenthood sweetheart.

Single Parent Adoption

Can you answer Galileah_B’s question about Adoption?:

I am thinking of adopting sometime in the future. But I am out of the country, nor am I familiar wih Manila adoption agencies. What are the well known or recommended orphanages in the Luzon or Manila area?

Adopting From an Orphanage