MHD founder Allison Schaaf walks through the adoption process steps based on her own experience, including tips & key considerations.
In episode 148, Miscarriage Hope Desk founder Allison Schaaf shares her experience with the adoption process.
Here are some tips and considerations to keep in mind if you’re thinking of adopting:
Adoption Process Steps & Considerations
1. Find Someone Local to Talk to
Adoption laws and procedures vary by area. Ask around to find someone local to talk to if you can.
2. Domestic versus International
This is a big consideration but I don’t have a lot of expertise here as I’ve only experienced domestic adoption.
3. Who to work with
You’ll have to complete a home study and profile book and then work with someone, an adoption agency or consultancy or attorney, to adopt. We’re working with FAC, Faithful Adoption Consultants, right now.
4. Home Study Process
The entire home study process can take several months. Be prepared for a lot of paperwork and remember that this process is in place to protect children. I find that perspective helps. I try to get started right away on the more time consuming parts of the process, like the background check. Setting up a physical can also take awhile. You also need to consider that the home study paperwork needs to be completed for all adults living in the house.
5. Letters of Reference
Start asking for reference letters early so people aren’t rushed.
6. Profile Book
This is basically a photo book showing your family. It’s a way to present your family as an option to the birth mom. I recommend having a photo shoot because there are lots of specific photos required. There are photographers who specifically create profile books for adoption which can be really helpful. I recommend starting this as soon as possible because it can take awhile to get the photos back.
7. Applications
After the home study, you’ll fill out applications with adoption agencies.
8. Speak up
If you have questions, make sure to speak up. No one else is going to make sure that you’re doing everything you need to do so you have to take that on.
TOPICS DISCUSSED:
Adoption process, home study, adoption agencies
LINKS IN THIS EPISODE
Ep#5 – Allison’s Adoption Story with Ivan
Ep#141 – Is adoption right for you?
Trello project management software
Creating Family Ed Adoption Continuing Education
MISCARRIAGE HOPE DESK RESOURCES-
Miscarriage Hope Desk aims to help women struggling with miscarriage, pregnancy loss and recurrent miscarriages (RPL), by providing the following resources-
- Pregnancy After Loss program
- Moving Forward Program
- Library of Articles, found here
- Instagram Community
- Facebook Community
- Free Miscarriage Lab Checklist
- Free Weekly Newsletter
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