Considering Adoption?

First, please be aware that I am speaking from a place of experience in international older child w/ special needs adoption. Therefore that is my "lens" in which I view adoption. If you are considering a private closed adoption of an infant as a means of growing your family due to infertility, this may not be helpful for your journey. I have no words of wisdom or experience to share in that type of adoption. 

 Where to start? 
  1. Pray. Pray for God to guide you, open doors, reveal resources and opportunities, and give you divine wisdom.
  2. Research. What is the true need? Who fills the orphanages and foster care systems? (hint: it is not healthy infants) What is the root of the of the worldwide orphan crisis? What accreditations are necessary for an agency and orphanage? What justifies ethical adoption? What agencies and orphanages are working to solve the orphan crisis with other means than just adoption? (hint: child sponsorship, in country adoption and foster care, family preservation efforts, community outreach and care) What does adoption look like long term? What resources do we need? Are we equipped to care for a special needs child? (hint: there are no "healthy" "typically developing" orphans. All children who are orphaned have experienced some sort of trauma...yes, even infants. Trauma causes special needs.) Why are we adopting? Who do I know that has adopted? (tip: get the gritty details and be well informed) 
  3. Choose your agency wisely. This is so important. Make sure you do your homework. Ask all the questions. Your adoption agency must be honest, transparent, well informed, experienced, ethical, and communicative. I cannot stress this enough. 
  4. Read. Take the trainings. Make the phone calls. Prepare your heart. Find a good godly counselor who can help you through the ups and downs. 
  5. Pray some more. You will grow so much in this process. It is beautiful, emotional, messy and such a blessing. We would do it 100 times over to have our son home with us. It is so worth it. 

Good places to start your education:









*Don't just gather information from one source. Pursue education from a variety of resources and perspectives. This will help you make the best decision for your family and vulnerable populations. 

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