here isn’t anything “basic” about adoption, other than that it usually grows out of the basic desire to be a parent. In that regard, adoption and childbirth are similar, but adopting a child is a complex process with its own set of requirements and commitments. For many people who decide to adopt, the process can seem overwhelming at first, but numerous resources are available that can help make adopting a child a viable and accessible way of becoming a parent.

Adoption experiences are as unique and varied as the people and children involved, but there are two basic categories: independent adoption and agency adoption. Each state has its own set of rules and it is best to consult with an organization, specialist, or attorney in your state as you approach the process. If you pursue an adoption across state lines, you must comply with the laws of both states and any interstate compacts.

The National Foster Care & Adoption Directory offers adoption and foster care resources by state.

INDEPENDENT ADOPTION
Independent or “open” adoption makes use of an intermediary, such as a lawyer or facilitator, to bring prospective parents together with a potential birthmother. In most cases, law requires the additional services of an Adoption Service Provider (ASP). This is a state-certified licensed clinical social worker with at least five years experience at a state-licensed adoption agency. The ASP advises the birthparents of their rights, witnesses the Adoption Placement Agreement, and provides other legally required services.

With most independent adoptions, the birthparents relinquish their parental rights to adoptive parents of their choosing who bring the child to the new home as a newborn.

Independent adoptions that involve the services of an attorney provide the assurance that standards set by the American Bar Association must be met and some attorneys who specialize in adoption are also members of the American Academy of Adoption Attorneys.

The sole use of an Adoptive Facilitator offers the least amount of supervision and guidance. There are many ethical professionals in this field with good standards of practice, but this approach offers few oversight mechanisms and in most states it is illegal for the facilitator to accept payment for services. The improper use of a paid facilitator can cause complications in the adoption process and may even violate state criminal statutes. Adoptive parents should be cautious about the use of Adoption Facilitators, at least until they have discussed the matter with their attorney.

AGENCY ADOPTION
Agency adoption makes use of a local public agency (social services, foster care, child welfare) or a licensed private agency (allowed in most states and foreign countries). This type of adoption provides the greatest assurance of monitoring and oversight, as agencies are required to adhere to licensing and procedural standards.

Adoption agencies provide support services that are not usually part of an independent adoption, such as pre-adoption education, counseling, home studies (state regulated evaluations), and many post-adoption services.

With increased service comes increased cost, so agency adoption is usually more expensive than independent adoption. Agencies, however, can help focus on your specific needs in a way that many adoptive parents find appealing. Some specialize in the placement of international or bi-racial children, others handle special-needs children or children of specific ethnic groups. There are agencies that specialize in infant adoptions and some that are selective in the types of couples with whom they will work.

What Costs are Involved?
Adopting from the U.S. foster care system is usually the least expensive approach. It involves little or no cost and many states provide subsidies for adoptive parents. Stepparent and kinship adoptions are relatively inexpensive and mainly involve legal fees. Agency and independent adoptions can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $40,000 or more depending on services provided, travel expenses, birthmother expenses, and state requirements. International adoptions usually range from $7,000 to $30,000.

While some agencies require a small fee up front, beware of any service that asks for full payment following the application. When discussing fees, ask about the payment schedule or sliding scale fees if your financial resources are limited.

The following chart gives a general range of adoption costs and should be used as a guideline only:

Foster Care	$0-$2,500
Licensed Private Agency	$5,000-$40,000+
Independent	$8,000-$40,000+
Facilitated/Unlicensed	$5,000-$40,000+
International	$7,000-$30,000

In some cases, the costs involved may be less than the maximums outlined here and adoptive parents are encouraged to explore all options as they make their decisions. The figures may seem daunting, but cost should not discourage you from becoming an adoptive parent.

[Source: Child Welfare Information Gateway]

What are the Requirements?
Children do not need “perfect” parents — they need people in their lives who are caring and committed to providing a nurturing and stable home environment. In most cases, adoptive parents may be married or single, childless, or already parenting other children. Having a disability does not disqualify you, but agencies will want to ensure that you can care for your child’s needs. Divorce or a history of marital counseling does not necessarily eliminate a person as a candidate either. You are not required to own your own home or be rich in order to give children what they need most — a lifetime commitment and the chance to be part of a happy, healthy family.

As you narrow your focus, however, you may encounter some restrictions. For many infant adoptions in the United States, agencies will only consider couples who are married at least one to three years, between the ages of 25 and 40, and can show stable income history. There is no single set of regulations for the country, so requirements are often agency specific. Some do accept applicants who are over 40, while others require that the couple have no other children or the ability to get pregnant. There are agencies that require that one parent not work outside the home for at least six months after the adoption. Any reputable agency you approach will discuss their specific eligibility regulations and placement options with you.

Be aware that, with the exception of state laws that cannot be waived or modified, there are very few agency requirements that are totally inflexible. If you encounter a rule that gives you a problem (such as an age restriction), there is no harm in asking if it can be waived in your particular case.

If you are looking to adopt internationally, things can become more complicated and challenging. The paperwork is often more extensive, and each document has to be translated into the foreign language. Each country has its own set of laws, usually regarding age, income, existing children in the home, and marital stability.

Some countries have extremely specific requirements. For example, China will no longer accept applicants who are over 50, on medication for depression, single mothers, or have a body mass index over 40. (Source: New York Times, 10.20.06)

On the other hand, with so many children up for adoption worldwide, once you have an approved home study, you are practically guaranteed a child.

How Long Does It Take?
The average timeframe for an international adoption is 12 to 18 months, but much depends on the country you choose and any preference you may have regarding age and gender.

Domestic adoptions can take quite a bit longer. The average wait for a healthy newborn is three to six years, and since the birthparents are involved with selecting the adoptive parents, this process can take even longer.

Of course, many factors can influence your specific time frame, but this is not a process that happens quickly. For many, the waiting time can be frustrating. But for others, it becomes an opportunity to prepare for the greatest commitment of your life.