One of the greatest, and simultaneously easiest and most difficult things that a human can do in their lifetime is be a parent. Whether we’re a parent by the birth of our child, or by adoption, parenting is an incredibly rewarding, frustrating, wonderfully mindboggling experience that is second to none.
Most of us can and will have a child by birth. But there are others that choose another option: adoption. This is, in many respects, a more remarkable experience, if for nothing else than the fact that this is a deliberate, continually active choice by the parents to adopt a child that is not your own.
But how do you adopt? Adopting a pet is easy; sign a few papers, pay a little money, have them spayed or neutered, and you’re done. Most of the time it can be done in a few days. Human adoption is a far more difficult and involved process, but in far greater need.
If you choose to adopt, there are a variety of ways to go about it. In Indiana, the Department of Child Services is the first place to look for inquiring about adoption.
The very first thing to do, when considering adoption, is to educate yourself about adoption. Besides the internet, there are several agencies available for the prospective parents to learn more about the adoption process. The National Adoption Information Clearinghouse, NAIC, has a vast storehouse of adoption articles and a directory with over 5,700 public and private adoption agencies.
The North American Council on Adoptable Children is another organization that offers information on the adoption of children from the foster care system, as well as having a national conference each year for adoptive families.
After deciding if you truly are ready to meet the challenges of adopting a child, you should choose what type of adoption you want to pursue. Do you want an open or closed adoption? Would you rather work with a public or private agency to find your child? These are all things to consider, but still only the beginning.
Next is the financial component. While not significant, it is a real expense that needs to be addressed. From court costs and attorney fees, as well as a home study, this could cost you several thousand dollars.
Selecting an adoption agency is next on your list of things to do. Finding the right agency for you is almost as important as finding the child that fits within your family. From private to public, there are a variety of agencies to choose from. It is recommended that you start with the Indiana Adoption Agency, and they can provide you a starting point.
After you’ve chosen the agency, contact them and let them know you’re serious about adoption. Answer their questions, meet with them, and let them know who you are, and above all, be honest. Through them, you can learn what children are available and gain insight into the challenges of adoption and parenting.
Finally comes the time for the adoption application. While this may vary from agency to agency, they all have only the best interests of the child at heart. They will speed you on to the next step of attending parenting and adoption classes.
When you’re ready to begin the family preparation process, you know you’re close to achieving your dream of parenting. Here, the social worker will take time to get to know you as a family unit, and your home and parenting skills.
Next, you will begin to search for the child within the agency. There are thousands of children in Indiana available for adoption. Learn as much as you can about the child. A picture and a short description only scratches the surface of a person and taking the time to learn a little more is valuable.
After choosing a child, it’s important to get your home ready for their arrival. Make your home feel like home for them as much as you can. After all, you’ve taken the time to learn so much about them, you know what they like to eat, and games they like to play. Make them feel at home by incorporating these things into your home.
Finally the child is placed in your home. As you both spend time together, learning about each other and growing closer, you will get a feel for each other as individuals and as a family. This period can last from six months to a year.
Once this period is over, you’re ready to file the petition to adopt this special human that has so endeared themselves to your heart. This legal process ensures that you will be fully responsible for the child you’ve chosen to take care of.
Adoption is an incredible thing. Whether done through the public system or a private one, choosing to bring another person into your family, asking to be held responsible for them, and for them to trust you in keeping them safe as they grow into adulthood is no simple task, nor to be taken lightly. But you will never find a more rewarding experience in all of the human experience.
To find out more about how you can adopt, please go to www.adoptachild.in.gov.