In the United States, about 135,000 children are adopted by loving parents each year. 59% of adoptions are through the child welfare system, 26% are international adoptions, and 15% are private adoptions. If you are considering adoption, consider the following tips.
Do It for the Right Reasons
Why do you want to adopt a child? Consider your reasons. If you are being pressured to grow your family by someone else, this may not be the right choice for you. Can you provide a stable home for this child? If you are unsure of this, wait until you can. Finally, can you meet all financial needs of the child? Children are expensive. If you are struggling financially, do not add the expense of a child to your home.
You can solve all these questions by weighing the pros and cons of adoption. It’s not a light choice to make as it will impact your life, the child’s life, and the lives of your entire family forever.
Traditional Households Are Not Necessary
Worried that you will not be able to adopt because you don’t have a traditional household with a husband and a wife? Discard that thought. Family structures are very diverse, and there is no such thing as one perfect family model. If you’re a single parent, in a same-sex family, or first-time parents aged 50 and older, you are capable of providing a child with a loving and safe home.
Do Not Let the Cost of Adoption Scare You
When people think about adoption, they often assume it is beyond their financial capacity. It is true that private and international adoptions can be expensive. However, adoption can be affordable if done through the foster care system. Additionally, you are giving a child the opportunity to have a good home.
Some foster care adoptions may even include monthly stipends from the State to the adoptive parents. At least, for a short period of time.
Children Put in the Foster Care System Are Worthy of Your Love
Some people have negative misconceptions about children in foster care. Get those misconceptions out of your head!
Children in the foster care system are worthy of your love. Despite the difficult circumstances that their parents may have been in, they are children who deserve love. If you choose this route, understand that children are innocent and capable of so much. Equally important, remember to be respectful of your adopted child’s family history.
Reach Out to an Experienced Adoption Attorney
After reading these hints, consider your options. If you decide that you want to move forward with an adoption, speak to a family law or adoption attorney.
Reach out to us. An Addair Law attorney will handle your situation with transparency and kindness. We will answer your questions about adoption. Contact our office today to speak to a knowledgeable lawyer.