How to Start the Adoption Process [A Step-By-Step Guide]
The decision to adopt marks the beginning of an extraordinary adventure filled with hope, anticipation and transformation. However, the adoption process might seem daunting if you’ve never experienced it before.
Let us help you grow your family and fulfill your dreams of parenthood. We’ll be by your side every step of the way. Give us a call at 1-800-ADOPTION or fill out our form to get more adoption information and schedule a free consultation.
How Do I Begin the Adoption Process?
You shouldn’t have to wait longer than necessary to become a parent. Here’s how to start the adoption process in five simple steps:
Step 1: Talk With One of Our Adoptive Family Coordinators
Starting the adoption process gets you one step closer to growing your family. And you won’t be alone: We will support you throughout your adoption journey.
You can get a free consultation with one of our adoptive family coordinators by filling out this form. They can walk you through Colorado’s adoption requirements, provide you with more information and answer any questions you might have.
Step 2: Submit the Pre-Application and Start the Home Study
The pre-application is designed to sense where you’re at in the adoption process. For instance, you might still be researching your options, or you may have already completed your home study. Depending on your needs, we can offer more resources or accelerate the process.
Are you ready to move forward with an adoption home study? We are licensed to provide home studies in 10 states, including Colorado. You can prepare by collecting important documents, babyproofing your home and reviewing potential interview questions.
Step 3: Fill Out Your Adoption Planning Questionnaire
Your adoption planning questionnaire helps us personalize your adoption journey. In the document, you’ll answer questions about your budget, birth parent communication preferences and desired characteristics for your child. To complete the questionnaire, you’ll need to first talk with your adoptive family coordinator and create an online account.
It’s important to note that your responses affect how often your profile is shown to expecting parents. If you’re open to different adoption opportunities, you may experience a shorter wait time. Every hopeful family’s adoption journey looks different!
Step 4: Create Your Profile and Become an Active Adoptive Family
Most birth parents search for hopeful adoptive couples online, so we help you create a digital profile that highlights your unique family. These adoption profiles include personal information, letters photos and a two- to four-minute video.
These videos are mini-movies, not static slideshows. Birth mothers have told us the videos gave them a glimpse into what their babies’ lives would be like with each family, and some have even chosen an adoptive family based on what they saw. Our professional media company partner can help you showcase your personalities, interests, family members, pets, home and neighborhood in a natural, engaging way.
Step 5: Experience Honest Wait Times
Our hopeful adoptive families wait an average of 12 months before receiving adoption opportunity calls. Waiting can be the hardest part of the adoption process. You deserve a family, and it shouldn’t take years longer than it has to.
Fortunately, we can offer lower wait times than other agencies. Because we advertise nationally, operate in 47 states and provide expecting mothers with financial assistance during their pregnancies, we attract more expecting parents. This increases the chances of your profile being seen.
How to Begin the Adoption Process
Picture the moment you first hold your baby in your arms. Once the adoption is finalized, your little one will legally become a member of your family. But to reach these beautiful milestones, you’ll need to first start the adoption process. You can receive more information and schedule your complimentary consultation by filling out our online form today.
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