The decision to choose adoption is a brave and selfless act that many women make for various reasons. But the decision will always be up to you. And we will always be here to help guide you toward making the best decision for yourself and your baby.

You can always contact us online to get more free adoption information now.

Top 5 Reasons Why Pregnant Women Are Considering Adoption

1. They want a loving and stable home for their baby

One of the most common reasons pregnant women consider adoption is because they want their child to grow up in a stable and loving home. Some may not be ready to parent, while others might not have the financial resources to provide for a child.

By placing your child for adoption, you can give your child the opportunity to grow up in a home with loving parents who are ready and able to provide for them. An adoption agency is committed to helping you make the best decision for yourself and your baby by providing necessary resources such as:

• 24/7 counseling and support
• Financial assistance for pregnancy and living expenses
• A wide variety of pre-screened adoptive families to choose from
• References to additional professionals
• Post-placement counseling and support

2. They want to give their baby the best life possible

Many birth parents considering adoption for their babies want to give them the best life. This could mean that they want their baby to have access to resources and opportunities they may not be able to provide themselves. By choosing adoption, you can find comfort in knowing that an adoptive family can provide your child with a secure future filled with endless opportunities.

National adoption agencies are the best to work with because they work across the country to help you find the right family for your baby. These agencies have a wide variety of families to choose from, allowing you to be as specific as you want about the type of family you’re looking for.

You can narrow down families based off of:

• Age
• Race
• Marital status
• Religious beliefs
• And more

Check out some waiting adoptive family profiles here.

3. They want to maintain a connection with their baby

Many birth mothers aren’t aware that most modern adoptions involve some form of contact with the adoptive family and child. When considering adoption, you can choose the level of openness in the process, from receiving letters and photos of your child to having a direct personal relationship with the adoptive parents.

Birth mother Cori grew to love the adoptive family she chose for her baby. She knew her baby was in good hands by getting to know them.

“They were so open and kind, and from the first exchanges we had, I knew that I picked out a wonderful family,” Cori said. “I know how wonderful his life is and will be. He will have a loving, secure home to rest his head in for the rest of his life. Every day, when I wake up, I know that he will be okay and he will spend his day in the arms of his loving parents.”

4. They want to regain control of their life

An unexpected pregnancy can make prospective birth mothers feel out of control. The adoption process allows you to take control of your situation in ways your other unplanned pregnancy options may not. When considering adoption for your baby, you’re in charge all the way through.

From choosing a family to deciding what you want your hospital stay to look like. When you work with an adoption agency, they’ll connect you with a birth parent specialist to help you create a personalized adoption plan. You’ll call all the shots while your adoption agency handles all the other aspects of your adoption. Every decision in the adoption process begins with you.

5. They want a better future for themselves and their baby

Many birth mothers consider adoption to create a brighter future for themselves and their children. Some have plans to further their education, advance their careers, and even get married. Raising a child would financially and practically delay many of these future plans.

Adoption lets you focus on pursuing your dreams while knowing your baby is in a loving and supportive household. Your child will have access to limitless opportunities with adoptive parents who have been preparing to welcome your baby into their home.

Although there are many common reasons birth mothers choose adoption, every situation is unique, and if you find yourself relating to any of these reasons, adoption could be the right choice for you. Are you ready to begin your adoption journey? Contact an adoption agency now to get more free adoption information.

The post Top 5 Reasons Why Pregnant Women Are Considering Adoption first appeared on Considering Adoption.

However, there has been a massive increase in negative feedback, particularly on platforms like TikTok. We’re here to dive deeper into why there has been a rise in adoption conversations on social media. And we’ll also take a look at how much adoption has changed throughout the years.

If you have any questions, contact us online to get more free information now.

Social Media and Adoption Explained

Using social media for adoption has undoubtedly changed the way we communicate and connect with each other. It has also been a useful tool for adoptive families to connect with birth parents, adoption agencies, and other families who have gone through the adoption process.

However, social media has also exposed some of the negative aspects of adoption. Social media influencer adoption has become increasingly popular, with many people sharing their adoption journeys with their followers. While this can be a positive way to raise awareness, many adoptees have turned to social media to share their experiences with adoption.

In the past, there was a lot of stigma surrounding adoption, and many adoptions were conducted in a secretive manner. This made it more common for adoptive families to choose a closed adoption, leaving adoptees to wonder about their past.

Adopted Children and Social Media

Now that adoption has been a hot topic on social media platforms like TikTok, adoptees are finding ways to express themselves and how they feel about adoption. Since they’re adopted themselves, they want to educate others on what it feels like to be adopted.

Adoption and the use of social media have become more common among adoptees that have had negative experiences with adoption. They use the platform to voice their concerns about adoption, and some even push for adoption reform. Although these experiences are valid, it’s important to recognize the evolution of adoption and what it consists of now.

Open adoption has become much more common than it was in the past. This allows adoptees to have access to information about their birth parents and their original birth certificate. Although this can’t eliminate adoptees’ trauma, it can help adoptees understand their identity and origin.

Adoptee Diana was placed in an open adoption in 1991. She continues to advocate for open adoption contact as it helped her have a positive view of adoption.

“I credit the openheartedness of my birth and adoptive families as the reason why I have such positive feelings toward my adoption,” Diana said. “There are a lot of adoptees who struggle with a lack of information and history, and many are also struggling with racial or cultural identity. If you’re considering adoption, you must first consider the needs of every type of adoptee and make sure that you’re ready to meet those needs.”

Benefit of Modern Day Adoptions

Despite the challenges associated with social media and adoption, adoption has drastically changed from how it was in the past. It can provide a loving home and a bright future for children who may not have had these opportunities otherwise.

Many national adoption agencies put birth mothers in control of the process. They’ll get to decide if they want to maintain contact with their child, whether they want to hold their baby after birth and much more. Birth mothers will also get access to free, 24/7 emotional support and counseling to ensure they’re 100% sure of their decision.

For adoptees, they’ll get the chance to build and maintain a connection with their birth parents. National adoption agencies recognize the benefits of open adoption contact for adoptees, which is why these agencies only work with adoptive parents who are comfortable with open adoption contact.

As adoptees grow and ask more questions about their adoption, it’s helpful for birth and adoptive parents to have a positive relationship. The decision to pursue an open adoption is the birth mother’s choice, and while these agencies will never force a birth mother into contact they aren’t comfortable with, there’s education available about how beneficial post-placement contact can be for themselves and their child. Contact an adoption agency today for more free information.

The post What to Know About Social Media and Adoption first appeared on Considering Adoption.

Also, a licensed adoption professional means you’ll have access to the most accurate and honest adoption wait times. To help you feel confident as you begin your search for an agency, here are the top three best adoption agencies in the U.S. to work with.

You can always fill out our contact form to get in touch with a trusted adoption professional now for more information. We’d love to help you begin your adoption journey!

Top 3 of the Best Adoption Agencies in the U.S that Offer Low Adoption Wait Times

1. American Adoptions

American Adoptions is a full-service, fully-licensed domestic infant adoption agency that works with adoptive families and birth parents across the U.S. Through extensive licensing and annual review by state officials, American Adoptions is one of the safest adoption agencies to work with.

Additionally, American Adoptions’ wait time is 9-12 months making it one of the only agencies that offer the lowest wait time possible. They also have many notable services, such as:

• Financial Protection: Any money you invested in the adoption gets refunded directly back to you in the event of an adoption disruption so you can continue to pursue adoption at your own pace.
• Shorter Average Adoption Wait Time: Through its extensive marketing and outreach, American Adoptions has a 100% success rate for families who remain active and more than 30 years of experience in creating 13,000 families, making it the only agency with accurate adoption wait time estimates.
• Adoption Video Profile Services: In an effort to further decrease adoption wait times, American Adoptions offers video profile services to give prospective birth parents a glimpse of your lifestyle and desire to become parents. When choosing an adoptive family, video profiles are a deciding factor for birth parents.
• Industry-Leading Marketing: American Adoptions invests significant resources towards prospective birth parents so that you can experience the lowest average adoption wait time. To get the same exposure from another adoption agency, you’ll need to join the wait list at 25 other agencies at the same time.
• Much More

American Adoptions will be by your side through every step of the adoption process. As a licensed agency, they are monitored and reviewed regularly to ensure safe, honest and legal practices. To get in touch with American Adoptions, call 1-800-ADOPTION now.

2. Family Connections Christian Adoptions

As one of the largest private adoption agencies in California, Family Connections Christian Adoptions can help adoptive families and birth parents throughout the entire state. On top of that, they’re also licensed to complete adoptions throughout the country. There are many adoption agencies in California that don’t have a wide-ranging scope as FCCA does.

Some agencies are only licensed in a handful of counties and would need outside professionals to complete the parts of the process. When you work with FCCA, your entire adoption will be completed under one roof. Additionally, their average wait time for adoption is no more than 18 months, but it could be faster or slower depending on your situation.

Some of the comprehensive services FCCA offers include:

• Post-placement visits: To get you closer to adoption finalization and ensure all post-placement requirements are satisfied.
• Finalization assistance: Your adoption professional and attorney will prepare and file your adoption finalization paperwork. They will also arrange your finalization hearing.
• Home study services: As a fully licensed adoption agency, FCCA will help you complete any home study requirements such as background checks, in-home visits and more.
• Help you make your adoption profile: To help introduce your family and your home to prospective birth parents.
• And More

To learn more about adoption in California, fill out this contact form to get in touch with an adoption professional now.

3. Gladney Center for Adoption

Gladney Center for Adoption offers a private domestic adoption program that helps adoptive families and prospective birth parents with the adoption process. If you’re interested in pursuing adoption through Gladney, you must be open to the diverse background of children and must live in the U.S.

The average wait time for domestic infant adoption through Gladney can take up to three years. Gladney’s domestic infant adoption program offers:

• Flexibility in the adoption process
• Assistance developing a family profile
• Guidance from an experienced staff
• Parenting education
• And more

Choosing an Adoption Professional

Overall, the adoption professional you choose can drastically affect your adoption journey. Working with the right professional ensures that you’re put in the best possible adoption situation and that your dreams of becoming a mom and dad are fulfilled. Are you ready to begin the adoption process? Fill out our contact form now to get started.

The post How Licensing and Verification of Agencies Affect Adoption Wait Times first appeared on Considering Adoption.

If you’re considering foster care adoption, you must first know what it is, how it works and what questions to ask before making a final decision.

• Foster care adoption has specific differences from private domestic adoption. 
• You must be prepared to navigate the complexities of foster care adoption. 
• You can get more information on the pros and cons of foster care adoption and learn about private domestic adoption by contacting a professional. 

We strongly encourage you to complete this online form to connect with an adoption professional if you’re considering foster care adoption. They can provide you with helpful information on foster care adoption, what is required and explain how a private domestic adoption is always an option. 

Until then, let’s talk about foster care adoption and what it means for your family. 

1. What is Foster Care Adoption? 

Foster care adoption involves adopting a child whose biological parents have had their parental rights terminated by a court. 

In some cases, when you choose foster care adoption, you are not required to have been a foster parent first. Some states, however, require that you get approved to foster a child to obtain eligibility for foster care adoption. 

The term foster-to-adopt describes a situation where adoptive parents foster a child first and then permanently adopt that child. 

Remember, you can always get more information on foster care adoption by filling out our contact form to connect with an adoption professional. 

• How Does Foster Care Adoption Work? 

Ultimately, the goal of foster care is to provide a child a safe environment for some time to reunite with the biological parents eventually. 

Children are placed in foster care for reasons such as: 

• Neglect 
• Physical abuse 
• Parental substance abuse 
• And more 

A judge presents the biological parents with a reunification plan, which, if met, means they can regain parental rights and bring their child home. 

If the specific guidelines for reunification are not met, parental rights are terminated, and the child becomes eligible for adoption either by the foster family or another adoptive family. 

Typically, relatives are first on the list for permanent adoption. If no relatives are found or are willing to adopt the child, the foster family can pursue foster-to-adopt.  

If the foster family decides not to pursue foster-to-adopt, the child remains with the state until an adoptive family is found. 

• What Types of People Consider Foster Care Adoption? 

Because there are so many children in the foster care system waiting for a permanent home, many couples choose to pursue this type of adoption. 

• Parents who have been fostering a child pursue foster-to-adopt when reuniting with the biological parents isn’t possible. 
• Families pursue foster care adoption because they are open to adopting an older child or a child with special needs. 
• Families who prefer to help a child in the foster care system. 
• Families who may not have the ability to afford a private domestic adoption. 

Foster care adoption is an opportunity for prospective adoptive parents to grow their families and help a child in need. 

As discussed, the foster care system often requires a family to adopt an older child or a child with special needs.  

You can find out more about how a foster care adoption is an option for you by completing our online contact form.  

You can also get more information on how a private domestic adoption is always an option and how you can receive 24/7 services and support when working with the right adoption agency.

• What is the Age Range of Foster Care Children? 

You’ll need to ask yourself how old do you want your adopted child to be? In many cases, prospective adoptive parents hope to adopt an infant. 

In the foster care system, infants are uncommon. Most foster care children fall between the ages of 2 and 8 years old. 

There is also a wide range and variance of race, gender and medical complications with foster children. In many cases, biological parents cannot provide safe environments for a child with special medical needs. 

So, when considering foster care adoption, you must be open to adopting children of older age and potential medical needs. 

If you prefer to adopt an infant, fill out our online form to connect with a professional to discuss working with an experienced adoption agency to find a birth mother placing her unborn or infant child for adoption. 

• Are There Requirements I Must Meet for Foster Care Adoption? 

State adoption laws will dictate specific requirements for adoption. However, there are general requirements you must meet before applying for foster care adoption. 

• Age: You may be required to meet a minimum age or be a certain number of years older than the foster child. 
• Marital status: Typically, single parents can pursue foster care adoption. If married, you will need to adopt jointly. 
• Sexual orientation: Your sexual orientation doesn’t prevent you from pursuing foster care adoption. Same sex couples and members of the LGBTQ community are more likely to foster and become adoptive families. 
• Residency: Some states require you to have obtained a legal residence before you can adopt a child. 
• And more 

Once you’ve met your state’s requirements, you will participate in a home study to determine your overall readiness for adoption, including determining that your home and environment are safe and suitable for raising a child. 

You can find more information on state adoption laws here. You can also reach out to an adoption professional to get more information on adoption requirements. 

• Can I Put the Child’s Needs Before Mine? 

This is an important question only you can answer. Now that you know foster care children can be older and potentially have medical needs, you must decide whether or not you’re ready to parent a child under those circumstances. 

The needs of a child must come first. Before committing to foster care adoption or private domestic adoption, you must know you’re ready to make the necessary sacrifices to parent a child. 

• Can I Care for a Child Temporarily? 

Knowing the primary goal is reunification with the biological parents is vital when it comes to foster care. Ask yourself whether you’re ready to care for a child for three months, six months or a year, knowing they may eventually leave your family. 

If you feel that fostering a child knowing a permanent adoption isn’t guaranteed is too difficult, complete our form to connect with a professional to get information on private domestic adoption. 

• Can I Support the Biological Parents? 

Because the primary goal of foster care is reunification, the biological parents will want support and communication while working to meet their reunification plan’s requirements. 

Journals, photos, updates and support while they work towards getting their child back can be difficult. It’s important to ask yourself how far you’re willing to go to support the biological parents and keep them engaged in their child’s life. 

• Do I Have the Support I Need? 

Having a strong support system, no matter what type of adoption you pursue is of the utmost importance. 

Foster care adoption can require a different level of commitment and sacrifice, and knowing your friends and family support you positively impact your experience. 

It’s also important that you work with a professional that can provide you with adoption services and support to help guide you through the process. 

1. Is Foster Care Adoption Right for Me? 

Taking inventory of where you are in life and what path you’re ready to travel to add a member to your family is the most important question you can ask. 

Assessing your readiness based on your current family life, career and other personal factors can help determine whether foster care adoption is realistic. 

Furthermore, deciding which type of adoption is right for you is essential before making a final decision. 

What do you envision for your adoption journey? 

If you dream of raising a newborn, foster care adoption isn’t right for you, as newborns are uncommon in foster care because the biological parents are given different opportunities to correct their environment. 

If you’re looking for the chance to give an older child or a child with special needs a safe and loving home, even temporarily, becoming a foster family with the hopes of foster-to-adopt may be right for you. 

You can always connect with an adoption professional to get more information on your options, including working with an adoption agency to match with a wonderful birth mother looking to place her unborn or infant child with a beautiful family like yours. 

You have adoption options, and your dream of growing your family through adoption can become a reality when you complete our online form and connect with a professional today. 

The post 10 Questions to Ask When Considering Foster Care Adoption first appeared on Considering Adoption.

Adoption is a beautiful way to grow your family and there are important questions to ask to when considering a transracial adoption.  

• Finding ways to celebrate your child’s racial heritage helps provide education and inclusion on their ethnic background.  
• It’s crucial that your neighborhood and community are diverse and supports interracial children. 
• You can learn ways to support your child, recognize their racial heritage and how to advocate for your child when you work with an experienced adoption professional. 

Adopting a child is a life-changing opportunity to grow your family and create a better future for a child and birth mother.  

Before reading more about transracial adoption (also known as interracial adoption) and if it’s right for you, know that you can complete this online form to quickly connect with an adoption professional who can answer all of your important questions. 

Now, let’s talk about transracial adoption, what it means for parenting your child and questions to ask when considering interracial adoption. 

1. What Does Transracial Adoption Mean? 

Transracial adoption is adopting a child of a different race than you. While all types of adoption have their strengths and weaknesses, transracial adoption does require specific additional education on potential challenges and the unique experience of adopting a child of another race. 

Transracial adoption is becoming more common and prospective adoptive parents like you have increased adoption opportunities when you work with the right agency. 

You can check out a complete guide on the adoption process by taking this link, but the process doesn’t change for transracial adoption when working with a reputable agency. 

Many adoptive parents want to grow a family no matter the race because, after all, family is defined by love and the opportunity to raise a child. Biology, genetic connection and race are transcended. 

Any potential challenges in raising a child of another race shouldn’t dissuade you from pursuing transracial adoption.

Instead, it’s a chance to educate yourselves on how you can create an inclusive environment and recognize history, holidays and role models and other important cultural elements associated with your child’s ethnic background. 

Remember, you can always connect with a professional by completing our online form. All of your questions regarding interracial adoption get quickly answered, and you can find out how to start the adoption process today. 

Transracial Adoption Laws 

If you’re interested in adopting internationally or you are pursuing an adoption with a child with a Native American heritage, there are specific adoption laws that must be met. 

Experienced adoption attorneys understand adoption laws and how to navigate them based on your specific case. 

2. How Can We Prepare for Transracial Adoption? 

Advocating for your child, better understanding events that have shaped the history of your child’s race in America and educating yourself on situations your child may face that you’re unfamiliar with are essential to preparing for transracial adoption. 

Neither good nor bad, there is a reality to raising a child of a different ethnic background, as it carries an extra level of responsibility in ensuring your child: 

• Understands their racial background 
• Receives education on the history of their race 
• Has role models to follow 
• Has the opportunity to celebrate holidays related to their ethnic heritage 
• Can participate in community events 
• And more 

Here are some other things you can do to experience your child’s racial heritage with them and provide necessary support: 

• Take a foreign language class to learn your child’s native language 
• Address racism openly 
• Ensure your child’s environment and community supports and welcomes diversity and multiculturalism 
• And more 

It’s also crucial that you try to view a transracial adoption through the lens of the child. What circumstances might they face? How will certain situations revolving around race make them feel? 

Having a better understanding of what life will be like for your child can help you prepare and determine how best to educate and involve your child in their racial heritage. 

Want to learn more about how to advocate for your child? Fill out our online form to connect with an experienced adoption professional who can provide more tips on how to provide important educational tools and create an environment that recognizes their racial heritage. 

3. How Do We Know if We’re Ready for Transracial Adoption? 

During the adoption process, you must complete a home study. This step reviews your family’s life, home environment and general readiness for becoming an adoptive parent. 

During this time, a social worker will help determine whether you are ready to become parents and raise a child of a different race than you. 

You may also come from a non-white background, giving you a better understanding of how important diversity is, the impact of race in America and how you can raise a child with a different racial heritage. 

4. Can We Get to Know the Birth Mother to Learn About Our Child’s Racial Heritage? 

Yes! Throughout the adoption process, you will have many opportunities to get to know the birth mother. Adoption professionals strongly encourage birth mothers and adoptive parents to have an open adoption and build a relationship through open lines of communication. 

You and the birth mother will have an initial introduction in the early stages of your adoption journey. At that time or shortly after, she may ask you various questions about your desire for transracial adoption.  

She may ask you about your understanding of racial issues in America, how you plan to create an environment where the child’s racial heritage is recognized and how you plan to incorporate their racial heritage in everyday life. 

This can be an excellent opportunity to learn more about your child’s ethnic background and create a deeper connection with the birth mother. 

You can get more information on how to get to know the birth mother by reaching out to an adoption professional today. 

5. Is Transracial Adoption Right for Our Family? 

Ultimately, only you can decide whether transracial adoption is right for you. However, one thing is clear; transracial adoption goes far beyond the image of a white family adopting a black child. 

In many cases, biracial couples adopt a child from a different racial background. Asian or Hispanic couples decide to adopt a child of a different race. There are numerous instances of transracial adoption that differ from the stereotypical image.  

The most important element of choosing interracial adoption is realizing when you’re ready to provide your child with the tools, education and involvement in their racial heritage.  

Doing so can avoid potential identity issues and provide your child with role models to look up to and remain connected to their ethnic background while experiencing the diversity of learning and experiencing yours. 

Work with an Experienced Professional 

Without a doubt, the best way to complete a transracial adoption and know you’re fully prepared for the journey ahead is to work with an experienced adoption agency and professional. 

The services, support and education on transracial adoption you receive are priceless. You also get increased transracial adoption opportunities when working with a national agency that has the resources to connect you with incredible birth mothers from across the country. 

You can complete our contact form to get more information on transracial adoption and how to get connected with the best adoption agency today. 

The post 5 Questions to Ask When Considering Transracial Adoption first appeared on Considering Adoption.

Knowing the realities of the adoption process can help you better understand what you may not already know. Sometimes, reading the words and experiences of those who have adopted or been adopted can help give you the full circle and encouragement you need.

Ultimately, the greatest part of adoption is the heart of each and every story. Below are some inspiring and eye-opening quotes from people who have experienced adoption in their lives and how it has impacted them.

Quotes from Adoptive Parents

1. “You never can imagine how much love you can have in your heart until you experience it. We didn’t realize we could love someone so much until she came into our lives, and we’re really thankful to have the opportunity and that she’s with us now.” – Ryan and Jeannine

2. “I just wish I had known it wasn’t as daunting as I thought it would be. I’m glad everything happened the way it did, because we were matched with our son, and I feel like it was meant to be.” – Lindsay and Michael

3. “I just love to tell people about it because it’s such an amazing thing and a great opportunity to shed a positive light on adoption. Whatever opportunity I have, I talk about their stories just to be able to say, you know, adoption is a beautiful thing.” – Kristin and Kirk

4. “It is true what they say, everything was leading to him and him to us. We don’t look back on that one way or the other, other than it was just one more step along the way until we met Garrett.” – Scott and Tristen

5. “Knowing that this child needed a home and that was something we could provide – not only are you getting the family of your dreams, but you’re providing a home to a child that needed it.” – Meg and Tanner

Birth Parent Testimonials

6. “When you have the choice to give life and to make that life the best that it could be, I can’t imagine it any other way.” – Sara

7. “It’s not something I want to hide from her. There’s a way you tell a child about adoption and, as she gets older, I’ll tell her more and more – but it’s not something that I want to keep from her. It’s not a secret; it’s not anything I’m ashamed of.” – Lindsey

8. “You’re not giving your babies up. You’re just giving them a better life…it’s unselfish, you know? That’s their lives you’re thinking about – it’s not just your life. You’re giving them the opportunity to live the best life that they can, and the life you know that you can’t give them.” – Janelle

9. “I knew my life did not stop after adoption. It gave me a second chance to pursue my goals and dreams so that I can be a better version of myself and help people along the way. I wanted to show my daughter that I didn’t give up on myself and, more importantly, her.” – Julia

10. “Adoption has a stigma. You know, there’s that ignorance that you’re ‘giving up’ these children, when you do not ‘give up’ a human being. In reality, you’re choosing something for them…I know a lot of people try to hide it because they’re ashamed of it, and you shouldn’t be. You made a big and hard decision for what was best for your child, and you should be proud of that.” – Casey

Quotes from Adoptees

11. “Being adopted is a beautiful thing to me, because you have your own personal story to tell other people. It’s also a great conversation started when talking to someone you just met.” – Abigail Tolleson

12. “I feel no resentment towards my biological parents; in fact it’s quite the opposite. I’m grateful for what they did. One day, I’m going to meet them. And when I do, I’m going to thank them for what they did for me.” – John DeFrank

13. “Discovering that I was adopted redefined my entire world, but it taught me that who you are doesn’t change.” — DaShanne Stokes

14. “I have a lot of respect for my birth mother. I know she must have had a lot of love for me to want to give me what she felt was a better chance.” — Faith Hill

15. “I wanted to meet my birth mom mostly to see if she was okay and to thank her, because I’m glad I didn’t end up as an abortion. My adoptive parents made me feel special. There were my parents. 1000%.” — Steve Jobs

Quotes About Private Domestic Adoption

16. “We look at Rose and think in so many ways she was meant to be a part of our family. It is true what they say: You wait for the child you are supposed to have. Never for one minute have we ever thought that we didn’t have the right kid for our family.” – Eric and Elizabeth

17. “I really liked the full-service aspect of American Adoptions. When you start researching adoption, it’s so complicated. There are different laws for every state. You can deal with attorneys on your own or create your own advertising company. We just didn’t feel we were capable of doing all that.” – Sarah and Ken

18. “When looking at all of our adoption agency options out there, one thing that we didn’t really take into account when it came to cost structure or anything like that was the level of engagement from our agency. Our adoptive parent specialist Melanie – the level of engagement and passion and kindness and efficacy that she provided was worth every drop of the agency fee that we paid for her alone.” – Mike and Paul

19. “Adoption is a burden on families, but to have an agency that does communicate and does let you know that you’re being shown and prays for you along the way and is there supporting you along the way – that was huge for us.” – Marc and Krystal

20. “If I hadn’t found American Adoptions; I never would have met her new parents. They are perfect for her. Some agencies put the baby in a foster home until all of the paperwork is done. One of my biggest concerns was she would be in a foster home and not with her new mother. I was relieved to know that she was picked up from the hospital by her new parents. I made the right decision and I am proud of it.” — Jane

Foster Care Adoption Quotes

21. “What makes a family is neither the absence of tragedy nor the ability to hide from misfortune, but the courage to overcome it and, from that broken past, write a new beginning.” — Steve Pemberton

22. “We live in a world in which we need to share responsibility. It’s easy to say ‘It’s not my child, not my community, not my world, not my problem.’ Then there are those who see the need and respond. I consider those people my heroes.” — Fred Rogers

Quotes About International Adoption

23. “Adoption is a beautiful, restorative, and redemptive thing for children in need of a family. It is not without pain and risk. It will not solve or even come close to scratching the surface of the ‘orphan crisis’. Many children in orphanages have a living birth-parent. ‘Orphan’ is a misnomer. The more questions you ask of your orphanage about their philosophy and approach, the more assured you can be that you are adopting a child that was ethically taken into the orphanage and needs to be adopted. With international adoption it is good to be cognizant that at any point the country can change their rules or shut down. It is a risk you’ll have to weigh and consider.” – Tara Livesay

24. “I’m drawn to kids that are already born. I think some people are meant to do certain things, and I believe I’m meant to find my children in the world somewhere and not necessarily have them genetically.” — Angelina Jolie

25. “You often hear attacks on international adoption as robbing a child of his or her culture, and that’s both true and false. It’s true that an internationally adopted child loses the rich background of history and religion and culture and language that the child was born into, but the cruel fact is that most children don’t have access to the local beautiful culture within an orphanage.” — Melissa Fay Greene

26. “International adoption does not being to solve the problems of the world’s orphaned children. It’s truly not the answer. At the same time, it solves a problem for a few. I think it can be a brilliant solution to the problem of adults wanting a child in their lives or wanting more children in their lives and the problem of children who want parents in their lives.” — Melissa Fay Greene

Open Adoption Quotes

27. “An open adoption isn’t necessarily a back door for the birth parents to come back and take their baby; it’s just more people to love your kid, that’s kind of how I see it. Don’t be afraid of open; it can be awesome.” – Cathy and Ray

28. “It’s hard, but then I always come back to the whole adoption situation itself, how good I have it, how I shouldn’t be sad and how good she has it. I mean, I have my hard days. But I always talk myself out of being sad because I do have it good. I have a wonderful adoption.” – Randi

29. “From our experiences growing up with closed adoptions that involved lots of privacy, we are excited for an open adoption. We look forward to our future child’s birth family being an extension of our own family…we want this child to be excited and proud to have two families.” – Allison and Seth

30. “I gained a new perspective on adoption, and by choosing two dads for my child, in my heart I would know that I will always be his mother. I made the best decision for him and me (in that order). I knew I needed to heal from what happened to me and that he didn’t deserve to miss a beat. It was the hardest thing I have ever done in my life. However, staying in touch with the adoptive parents and seeing my son healthy and happy reminds me that adoption wasn’t the only choice, it was the best choice.” – Jah

31. “If I can, from our experience, give one piece of advice to prospective adoptive parents, it is DO NOT BE AFRAID! Do not let fear invade your relationship with the birth parents of your child. Remember always, love is never divided, only multiplied. I wish each and every one of you the joy that can come when you are called ‘Mom’ or ‘Dad.’” — Sherry

What’s your favorite adoption quote? Let us know in the comments below!

The post 31 Inspiring Quotes About Adoption [Get the Tissues!] first appeared on Considering Adoption.

When it comes to adoption, the language around it is always changing, as it often does for any subject. What was once an acceptable phrase may no longer be acceptable. Terms become outdated, so it’s important to keep up. In other cases, some terms stay in vogue, but they can still be confusing.

That’s why we’ve put together this guide of 10 adoption terms everyone should know. If you’re considering adoption, or if you know someone who is, then this list could be helpful. Or, you could be an adoptive parent who wants your friends to better understand your life. Whatever the scenario may be, here are 10 adoption terms that you need to know.

1.      Adoption Agency

When someone decides they want to pursue adoption, they contact an adoption agency. Someone who wants to adopt a child can reach out to them, as can someone placing their child for adoption. Think of an adoption agency as the mediator between the two main parties in adoption: birth parents and adoptive parents. Agencies arrange meetings, provide financial assistance, explain the adoption process and more.

2.      Birth Parent

A birth parent is someone who has placed their child for adoption. But, there is also the term “prospective birth mother,” which means something different. Before the adoption is complete, someone choosing adoption is a prospective birth parent. This is because it isn’t quite official yet. Once the adoption is finished, those prospective birth parents are now, simply, birth parents.

3.      Closed Adoption

Pop culture tends to portray adoption inaccurately. For instance, when you think of adoption, you may imagine a child who doesn’t know who their birth parents are or why they were placed for adoption. This is known as a closed adoption. It’s when birth parents and adoptive parents know nothing about one another, and the child usually has no knowledge of their birth family. The vast majority of adoptions today are open (which we will get to later), and closed adoptions are now extremely rare.

4.      Expectant Parent

An expectant parent is someone who’s pregnant. They could be considering parenting or adoption, and in both cases, they’d be a parent! To be more specific, they become a prospective birth parent if they are considering adoption.

5.      Finalization

This is the last step in anyone’s adoption process. Typically, the hopeful adoptive parents go to a local court where the judge signs the final decree of adoption. Once this is complete, the prospective birth mother officially becomes a birth mother. In turn, the hopeful adoptive parents officially become adoptive parents.

6.      Home Study

Only hopeful adoptive parents complete this step of the adoption process. A home study is when a social worker visits their home, interviews the couple and checks the home to make sure it’s safe for a child. Usually, hopeful adoptive parents are intimidated at the mere thought of this, but this is a great opportunity for them to learn more about adoption and how they can care for their child.

7.      Open Adoption

Open adoption is today’s standard for adoption. Usually, prospective birth parents and adoptive parents meet through an adoption agency and develop a relationship. Throughout the adoption process, they begin to know one another, and they typically stay in touch after the adoption. Also, the birth parent decides on forms of contact they’re comfortable with (phone calls, video chats, in-person visits, etc.). With open adoption, it is never “goodbye” for anyone. It is “see you later.”

8.      Placement

Placement refers to the moment when a child is placed into the arms of their adoptive parents. When most people talk about adoption, they use the phrase “give a baby up for adoption.” Although their hearts may be in the right place, this phrase completely misses the point. No one “gives up” when they choose adoption. Instead, they are giving their child a life of love and opportunity. That’s why “place a child for adoption” is the preferred term. The adoption community prefers positive adoption language, such as this, because “give up” suggests that adoption is a negative choice.

9.      Semi-Open Adoption

When prospective birth parents and hopeful adoptive parents meet for the first time, it’s usually mediated through an adoption agency. But, they may then decide to exchange contact information so that they can directly communicate, now and throughout the years to come. In the case of semi-open adoption, an adoption agency mediates all contact between the two parties. This is for people who don’t want to share any identifying information but would still like to exchange indirect updates.

10. Transracial Adoption

Transracial adoption is when the child and the adoptive parents aren’t of the same race. For example, Black adoptive parents could adopt a Latinx child, or white parents could adopt an Asian baby. Transracial adoption is more common than ever, but adoptive parents must be ready to acknowledge and uplift their child’s racial and cultural identity.

The post 10 Adoption Terms Everyone Should Know first appeared on Considering Adoption.

When you think about adoption, it’s natural to think about the costs, the process, where you want to adopt from, and much more. But, even with adoption, words are just as important as the entire process.

Because many people are not personally connected to adoption and its process, they tend not to be as familiar with adoption terminology.

By taking the time to better understand the need for positive adoption language and using accurate terms, you can help dispel many common adoption myths and misconceptions.

Here are 6 helpful examples of terms and phrases to use, and related terms you should not use when talking about adoption:

Do: “birth parent”; Don’t: “real parent”

Using the term “birth parent” allows the birth family to continue to hold value without lessening the importance of the adoptive family. “Birth parent” shows that both families play special roles in the child’s life. The term “real parent” can be hurtful to both adoptive parents and adoptees, as it implies the adoptive parent is “fake” or “unnatural.” “Real parent” can also imply that the relationship between an adoptive family and an adoptee isn’t as strong because they aren’t blood-related. Adoptive parents are just as real as birth parents to the adoptee.

Do: “place a child for adoption”; Don’t: “give up/give away for adoption”

The phrase “place child for adoption” provides a better description of a birth mother’s decision. It also implies the birth parents still love the child and want the best for them. More often than not, the phrase “give up” has a negative connotation and suggests a careless action. In truth, birth parents experience a lot of difficult emotions when choosing adoption. They are the ones taking the time to select the adoptive family, and do so with great care and emotional strength. We don’t know what any person is truly going through, so use phrases that don’t judge a person’s character or decisions.

Do: “to parent”; Don’t: “to keep”

There are times when the birth mother changes her mind about adoption and chooses not to move forward with her adoption plan. In these situations, she chooses to parent her child instead. Though it may be difficult for hopeful adoptive families, it’s important to be respectful of every birth mother and her decisions. Using the term “to keep” implies a child is an object or possession. It devalues the difficult decision the birth mother is trying to make for her child, especially women facing unplanned pregnancies. It’s important to not use phrases or terms that cause hurt to any woman making a difficult life choice.

Do: “child placed for adoption”; Don’t: “unwanted child”

When you use the phrase “unwanted child”, you can do a lot of damage to a child’s self-esteem. Being an adopted child does not mean they were not wanted by their birth parents. It’s important to remember that we don’t know the full circumstances behind why a child’s birth parents placed them for adoption. Therefore, we need to be respectful and use phrases like “child placed for adoption.” This phrase gives a more accurate description of the situation without putting the birth family in a negative light.

Do: “international adoption”; Don’t: “foreign adoption”

When talking about adopting a child from another country, you shouldn’t use the term “foreign adoption.” The word “foreign” can sometimes suggest a feeling of not being welcome. It’s also often used in a negative context of someone who doesn’t belong. Every child should be made to feel included and welcome, no matter who they are or where they’re from. By using the term “international adoption,” you’re making the effort to make the child still feel welcome into their new country and home, and less of an outsider.

Do: “child”; Don’t: “adopted child”

By using the term “child,” that simply states that the child is no different from any other child in any family. Adding the word “adopted” implies the child is somehow different than a biological child within that same family. It can also make the child feel they don’t belong or aren’t fully part of the family. You should always use words that make everyone, including a child, feel welcome. They are no different than anyone else.

Words truly make a bigger impact than you may realize in every aspect of your life. Especially if you are talking with someone about adoption, it’s important and respectful to be aware of the correct terminology so as not to inadvertently hurt the other person.

When you’re talking about adoption, a simple rule of thumb – remember to always be mindful of your words.

The post Positive Adoption Language Matters [6 Phrases People Still Get Wrong] first appeared on Considering Adoption.

Here’s what most pregnant women will want to know about you:

1.     That You Will Respect Her Boundaries and Decisions

Choosing adoption is a difficult decision for expectant parents to make, even if they know it’s what is best for them and their baby. Many prospective birth mothers find comfort in hopeful adoptive families who show reverence for what they’re going through, as well as a positive outlook on adoption and raising their child.

Placing a child for adoption isn’t easy and she doesn’t want to be judged for her decision, nor have her feelings dismissed. Acknowledging that she is making a brave and difficult decision can go a long way. It can also be helpful for a birth mother to know that you will openly and honestly talk to her child about their adoption and their birth family.  When making your adoptive family profile, it can be helpful to empathize with the prospective birth mother and make it clear that if she gives you the opportunity to adopt her baby, you will celebrate this decision and your adopted child.

2.     That You Are Committed to Providing Support and Stability

If an expectant mother is considering adoption, it’s likely because she feels she cannot provide her baby with the life she feels they deserve, or she is not yet ready to.  She wants to place her baby with a family who she feels can give her baby the best life possible, and that are committed to doing so.

 If you are hopeful adoptive parents who have been approved by an agency, then you’ve been cleared as being financially able to support a child. While financial stability is important in raising a child, she wants to know that family is important to you and that your family has a strong drive to support the child emotionally and mentally as well.  She wants to know that you will do whatever it takes to give her baby the life they deserve and that you will be willing to make the necessary sacrifices to be there for her baby.

3.     What Your Values and Morals Are Like

If your values align with the prospective birth mother’s, this is typically a good way to start establishing a connection. Since she will be choosing you and not the other way around, the best thing you can do when filling out your adoptive family profile is to speak openly and enthusiastically about your values and how you would raise a child in accordance with these values. Whether those values are based in religion, family, or simply just good character, don’t be afraid to be emphatic. Your adoption professional will be available if you need help or have questions when filling out your adoptive family profile. To get more information about how you can stand out to prospective birth mothers, reach out to an adoption professional today.

The post 3 Things Prospective Birth Moms Want to Know About Adoptive Couples first appeared on Considering Adoption.

Though it is a usually a straightforward process, sometimes just one negative experience or long wait times when trying to adopt can be too much for some waiting couples.  In a digital age heavily dominated by the internet, many waiting couples turn to social media to search for adoption opportunities. While there have been some successful adoptions that have resulted from social media, there are heavy risks involved.

These risks often boil down to two potential unfortunate situations: It’s a scam and the alleged “birth parent” is not actually pregnant/considering adoption or you are dealing with an expectant parent who is serious about adoption, but without the proper processes and legal support, you can run into legal issues with disastrous results.

Adoption Scams

There has been an increasing trend of hopeful adoptive parents looking for adoption opportunities on social media platforms such as Craigslist, Twitter and Instagram. Many have taken to Instagram using hashtags such as “#lookingtoadopt” or “#waitingtoadopt” with the hopes of being found by an expectant mother looking for an adoptive family for her baby.

There have been reports of alleged potential birth parents reaching out to couples using these hashtags claiming they want to place their baby for adoption.  In one instance of this, the couple dialoged with the “birth mom” for months, sending messages and pictures back and forth until eventually, the owner of the “birth mom” account blocked the hopeful couple. 

While there was no money exchanged, this was a massive waste of time for the hopeful adoptive parents and emotionally devastating. Whether this was someone trying to catfish the couple or a pregnant woman who got cold feet, this is a very real risk of using social media  to find an adoption opportunity with no way to verify the legitimacy of the self-proclaimed expectant mom.

An even bigger risk is that you could be scammed out of money in the event of adoption fraud. If the person claiming to be a birth parent looking for adoptive parents charges you for money to adopt her baby and then cuts off communication with you, not only could this transaction be considered illegal (we’ll touch more on this later), but you could also be susceptible to financial damages.

An Illegal Adoption

It cannot be stressed enough that it is illegal for you to purchase another individual’s child, just as it’s illegal for them to attempt to sell their child. Depending on your state’s laws, this can be considered adoption fraud or even child trafficking. It is highly illegal for the expectant parent to accept financial compensation in exchange for her child, especially if she has no actual intent to place a child for adoption. In more sinister cases, you have no way of knowing for sure if the child you are paying to adopt actually belongs to the alleged biological parent.

Even if the expectant mother is honest and her intentions are good, the adoption will not be considered legal unless you go through the proper steps. In most states, the adoptive parents must complete a home study, go through the proper legal steps with an adoption agency and/or an adoption attorney, and then have a decree of adoption issued by a court. If the adoption is not above board, authorities could remove the child from your home.

3 Alternatives to Using Social Media for Adoption

We understand how frustrating it can be when all you want is to have a family of your own and it feels like the odds are against you. We promise there is hope.

Instead of turning to social media to find a child, you should always turn to a properly-licensed professional. Here are three alternatives to risky (and potentially illegal) social media matches:

1.      A National Adoption Agency

We know that the stories of lengthy wait times can be discouraging. National adoption agencies complete adoptions all over the country, which means they work with multiple expectant parents at once. This means there will be more adoption opportunities, and shorter wait times to find the right opportunities. When you work with a national adoption agency, you’ll not only have shorter wait times than a local agency, you’ll have access to many useful services and resources for your adoption.

An adoption agency will be able to screen the birth parent to ensure that everything is legitimate and that you will not fall victim to adoption fraud. An adoption professional will be able to walk you through the adoption process step by step to ensure that all your bases are covered and all the proper legal paperwork has been completed so that your adoption can be considered legal. They’ll connect you with an adoption attorney to ensure that your rights are protected.

2.      Foster Care Adoption

Adopting from foster care is a beautiful way to add another member to your family while also giving a waiting child a loving and supportive family. Foster care usually focuses on the placement of older children and may not always be a permanent placement, as it is usually a temporary arrangement when the biological parents cannot properly care for them at the time.

The priority is to reunite the child with their birth family in a safe and stable environment. Unfortunately, this isn’t always possible. This is where you come in. You can foster a child with the possibility of adoption, or you can adopt a child who is already awaiting adoption.

3.      International Adoption

International adoption is a beautiful way to expand your family, while giving a child abroad a supportive and loving family. International adoption might sound overwhelming at first when you factor in state, federal and international adoption laws, which is why you should always work with a Hague-accredited agency. Your adoption professional will coordinate everything for you so that you can be sure the laws and customs of the country you are adopting from are being abided by.

Before you send out a hashtag looking for an adoption opportunity, consider reaching out to an adoption professional to get free information about your options.

The post Hidden Risks of Using Social Media to Find an Adoption Opportunity first appeared on Considering Adoption.