Placing Your Baby For Adoption? 2 Tips For Choosing The Right Family

When you are faced with the task of choosing an adoptive family for your unborn baby, it might feel like the world is resting on your shoulders. However, if you know what to look for, finding a family where your little one will thrive might not be so difficult. Here are two tips for choosing the right adoptive family, so that you can relax:

1: Ask Your Agency About the Home Study

Before potential parents can be considered as adoptive parents, most private agencies require them to undergo a home study. These studies are conducted by the adoption agency, and they typically cost the parents between $500 and $3,000. Although you won't likely see the full report, as it usually contains loads of private information, you can ask about the study to learn more about the family. Here are a few things you should ask your social worker about that report:

Physical Health of the Parents: If you are giving your baby up so that they can enjoy a two-parent household, it might be helpful to find out about the parent's health. For example, if one of the parents has a terminal illness and might not be around forever, you might want to know about it.
Local Schools: You might not be able to find out those adoptive parent's home address, but you can ask about the quality of the local schools. Once you know where your child would be attending school, you can use that information to evaluate the neighborhood.
Criminal Clearances: Ask if either parent has ever been accused or convicted of a crime. Keep in mind that if you have the person's full name, you might be able to look up this information on your own by using your state's public information database. For example, in Utah, you can look up past criminal charges, public salaries, and even previous divorce records.
Financial Situation: Ask your social worker how financially stable the family is. If possible, ask whether or not both adults work, or if there will be a parent staying home with the baby during the day.

By taking the time to do your research, you might be able to fend off a bad situation for your baby and improve their chances of a successful upbringing.

2: Analyze The Profile

Unlike the results of the home study, which are essentially used by the adoption agency to screen for unfit parents, most parents create a personal profile for the birth mothers to peruse. These profiles typically contain written statements, pictures, and even video files for moms to evaluate. Here are a few things you should pay attention to as you go over those profiles:

Family Photos: Don't just glance through those family photos. Instead, analyze them carefully to look for details that might signal problems. For example, you could look at the background of the pictures to evaluate the overall condition and cleanliness of the house.
Religious Beliefs: Pay attention to adoptive parent's statements about their religious beliefs. If you aren't familiar with the religion that potential adoptive parents practice, ask your social worker to explain the traditions, social environment, and overall belief system.
Home Videos: If you have access to home videos, pay attention to how the family members talk to each other. Are they kind? Does anyone talk down to anyone else? Also, try to get a feel for the ambiance of the home. Are the parents fun and outgoing, or quiet and reserved? Understanding the environment might help you to find a home where your child would be comfortable.

By being careful about the adoptive family selection process, you might be able to gain the peace of mind that accompanies a safe, happy, and successful adoption. Visit a site like http://www.achildsdream.org for more information.

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