We are ready...now what?

[bokelley]

Dh and I want to start the process but have no clue on what to do?

We are no religious, so I am not sure who we even go through? How much it cost? Or if we even can....

I thought I would feel better when we finally came to the point when we were ready, but I feel lost. I know it can take 3-5 years + , so we wanted to start the process
Help!!

[ladymoreta]

I wish I had some info for you, but I just want to wish you the best of luck! You are going to be a wonderful Mommy!

[moonlight]

What type of adoption do you want? Open, closed?

[alison]

Big hugs! We are here for you every step of the way.

[Deebs]

Wow -what an exciting, scary, amazing adventure you're about to jump into. I don't have much advice, but wish you all the best!

[Deebs]

I guess I do know that Catholic Charities works with couples of all religions and no religion. I would think other religious organizations may do the same.

[lovelight]

No words of wisdom either, but just wanted to wish you the best in this journey!

[Sheherezade]

Wait for Jenn To reply. She is all knowing. . I'm excited for you. Although everyone has crazy adoption stories, I've heard most of them from people with adopted kids by their side. So - crazy, but successful! I know one thing--- you have to start a thread about the process so we can all follow along at home!!

[L.Jane]

Wait for Jenn To reply. She is all knowing. . I'm excited for you. Although everyone has crazy adoption stories, I've heard most of them from people with adopted kids by their side. So - crazy, but successful! I know one thing--- you have to start a thread about the process so we can all follow along at home!!

This. *hugs* I am pretty sure I don't just speak for myself when I say we want to support you every step of the way.

[TulipsAndSunscreen]

This. *hugs* I am pretty sure I don't just speak for myself when I say we want to support you every step of the way.

I can confirm that you do NOT speak for yourself. You speak for all of us!!!!

So excited for you B!

[medpedspouse]

What we learned when we went down that path was that the timing, cost, country, hoops to jump through, etc. vary greatly depending on the type of adoption you want. The first step (for us) was to get a home study - I think that is what it was called. Actually, I think the first step we took was to find an agency where we could ask all the questions and educate ourselves about the different processes without judgement. I add the last part because we found some people to be a little judgmental regarding some of the questions we asked. I will also caution you to NOT seek information from those who have very strict beliefs about types of adoption because they will only give you information on those (some discouraged us from others) when there are so many choices out there to consider. The cost really does vary. For example, if you adopt from our state, it is pretty inexpensive considering some foreign adoptions. FWIW - to give you some comparison, we were looking at about $45,000 with the first agency we used. With foreign adoption you also have to calculate all the trip costs/things that you need to buy to take "as gifts" among other expenses (like of loss of wages from taking time off from work) for the various trips you have to take. DCJenn can tell more about that because we never got to that part. However, I have spoken with others that have adopted who have paid half of that and some who have paid twice that. So, I all can say is that when it comes to cost it seemed to me that the number was all over the place.

Regardless - know that we have your back the whole way!

[Thirteen]

Brandi, I am thrilled to see this thread.

How exciting for you!

[v-girl]

You have my prayers an support on this journey! So excited for you!

[hanginginthere]

We went the domestic route. The first thing you need is to decide if you want domestic or international adoption and get an agency- it is good if they can do your home study so they go through all the steps with you....We actually signed on with several agencies who are non-profit and didn't charge up front fees and got matched faster. If you adopt domestically then you need to decide what races you are open to adopting (we said all), and what substance uses are something you can deal with....we said okay to occasional smoking and no to all the rest....and we got matched in 4 months...if you want anymore info. please message me and I will give you the names of the agencies we worked with...btw agencies will also let you specify if you only will work with expectant mothers who are on medicaid so you don't pay that extra cost...hugs and best wishes! It is a journey to adopt but sooooo worth it!

[Chrisada]

I'm really excited for you! I know 3 families who have done newborn adoptions theough the states of Michigan, Texas, and Utah with great success.