Are you ready to expand your family? Adoption offers several benefits. A young person finds a home. Parents embrace this new person into their lives. This journey isn’t a straight path. Rather, it has several options available, allowing adults to consider their interests and goals. Before beginning your search for the right fit, consider which method is right for your home.

1. International Adoptions

Many children in other countries are eager to find a loving place. The little ones often live in orphanages, lacking any sort of family or comfort. Furthermore, another benefit of this route is there could be more kids available overseas than in the United States, expediting your connection. This may be faster, but it does require some knowledge and travel. Families may want to work with an adoption facilitator to ensure that everything remains above board. Look for a place that specializes in communicating with foreign agencies, coordinating the travel and legal paperwork.

2. Foster Care Adoptions

When the government takes kids from their homes, these youth are placed in foster homes. Sometimes they can return when their parent or parents get everything back in order. Other times, the children become wards of the state, available for others to nurture. Public or private agencies could assist in locating someone who may match your lifestyle and personality. Ages often range from toddlers to teens.

3. Open Adoption

Sometimes a mother asks others to raise a child because she is too young or poor to provide a good life. That doesn’t mean there isn’t a desire for connection or affection. For these women, they are seeking a couple who is willing to keep lines of communication open. This isn’t shared custody. It’s simply a decision to provide information. This could be photos, cards or occasional meetings. The route could open more potential, but you’ll have to be willing to maintain dialogue with the birth family.

4. Closed Adoption

During a closed proceeding, the birth family is not disclosed. Paperwork exists, but the connection is severed for personal contact. The child remains in the dark unless he or she searches for the names later on in life.

4. Private Independent Adoptions

For couples desiring an infant this route might be a good choice. A private or public group coordinates interviews with pregnant women looking for a home for an unborn baby. Sometimes you’ll pay medical costs. The birth family makes this decision, so the timetable could be faster than waiting for a public agreement.

No matter which course is selected the end result is the same: a union. Cherish the memories and smiles.