Most prospective adoptive parents don’t get cards or baby showers, or even much excitement. It’s time to change that. Buying something for your hoped-for baby won’t ‘jinx’ your plan to adopt, and 11 more things I wish someone had told me during the wait.
“Uncharted Territory”
Sometimes, you go somewhere expecting it to be totally different, and it ends up seeming familiar. I had that feeling as I led a group of students on a trip to China—and then again, back home, as we met an expectant mother.
Parent-to-Parent: My Best Domestic Adoption Travel Advice
If you traveled domestically to adopt, what’s one piece of advice you can give others as they prepare to do the same? See parents’ answers.
The ICPC: An Updated Overview
When you adopt a child from a different state, you’ll need approval under the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children before traveling home. Here’s what you need to know about this process.
“How I Met My Daughters”
I may not remember when I first knew I wanted to be a mother, but the moments leading up to and the first time I saw my daughters are indelibly etched in my memory.
News Brief: Financial and Social Pressure and Lack of Support Factor Into Expectant Mothers’ Decisions
Expectant mothers who chose adoption most commonly cited financial pressure, social stigma, and a lack of support before and after placement in interviews with the Donaldson Adoption Institute.
News Brief: Domestic Adoptions Rise Slightly, Despite Overall Decrease in Adoption
Adoption: By the Numbers, the latest report from the National Council For Adoption, shows a slight increase in U.S. infant adoptions from 2007 to 2014.
“When Will an Expectant Mother Pick Us?”
During the long wait for an adoption match, friends and family may be sympathetic, but they don’t understand the anxiety that leads you to question every aspect of your adoption profile — and yourself.
“Guarding My Heart During the Wait”
After years of grappling with infertility, I could only focus on what might go wrong during our (in hindsight) perfect match and my daughter’s birth.
[Book Review] The Eye of Adoption
“I believe every woman currently waiting to adopt, or who knows someone who’s waiting, should read this book.”
[Book Review] Breeding in Captivity
A hilarious personal account of the ups and downs of infertility and adoption.
Ask AF: Domestic Adoption Paperwork
Answers to your parenting questions.
State Adoption Law Updates, Winter 2016
State adoption laws are always changing. Read up on the latest update.
Parents Share: Creating Our Child’s Adoption Story
Parents share how they impart and strengthen their child’s adoption story.
Webinar Replay – Creating Your Adoption Profile
View the replay of the “Creating Your Adoption Profile” webinar. An adoptee and adoption expert offers guidance on the most important elements of creating the profile your agency or attorney will share with expectant mothers considering adoption.
Home Study 101: Everything You Need to Prepare
A home study is a document that says you can be a parent. What does that mean?
Your Adoption Budget Checklists
All adoptions, wherever from and via whatever method, include a home study, the process where a social worker checks that you are eligible to adopt. After that, budget items vary.
Ask AF: Fighting for Health Coverage
Answers to your parenting questions.
6 Questions to Ponder Before Making a Homeland Trip
More and more families are finding that “going back,” whether to San Antonio or San Salvador, gives their children a foundation for building identity.
Share Your Story: Must Pack Items
We asked our readers which items no adopting family should leave home without.