Choosing an Adoptive Family

As you move through your adoption journey, choosing your adoptive family is a critical step in the process.  Perhaps you have already envisioned the type of family you would like to raise your child and the type of adoption you would like open, semi-open or closed.  Regardless, below are some ideas for you to consider as you look at family profiles:

• Ethnic or cultural background
• Religious background
• Family dynamics: single parent family, two parent family, same sex family
• Location
• Other children are already in the family : biological or adopted or no children
• If an open or semi-open adoption, how much contact will occur
• How involved in the pregnancy and birth do you want adoptive parents 
• Adoptive family lifestyle
• Adoptive family careers

There may be other issues important to you that are not listed above, make certain you consider all of them.

The agency will provide you with profiles of their licensed adoptive families. As you review the profiles, ask questions and identify the adoptive families you would like to meet in person.  The agency will set up the meetings and attend with you.  Both parties are able to ask questions and learn about each other in a safe supported space.

The initial meeting between birth parent/s and a potential adoptive family can be uncomfortable for both sides, however, the agency is there to help ease into conversations that will start to flow freely as questions are asked, and important information is shared. If this is an open adoption, discussing the level of contact with the child and adoptive family is vital as you begin navigating this relationship.

Once the meeting is over, the agency will connect with both parties independently to see how each felt about the meeting and if they want to move forward with the adoption plan.  If there are other questions you have about the family, now is a great time to ask.

Choosing an adoptive family is an important decision in this journey – you should consider the child’s needs and future based on stability, belief systems, parenting style and personal connections.  It is your choice, and only yours.

There is also now a legal and binding contract for open and semi open adoptions called PACA ( Post Adoption Contact Agreement). This is s formalized agreement between the birth parents and the adoptive parents that is entered into court at the time of relinquishment. Adoption Dreams Come True can help you as you choose the type of contact you want and will create a contract to your specifications.   

Adoption Dreams Come True will help guide you through this process, provide support and answer your questions as we navigate your adoption plan together.