Adoption -- The Basics

There are several different ways a new child can come into your family via adoption.  Some families choose to adopt a child from another country (international adoption).  Other families choose to adopt a child currently living within their own country (domestic adoption). 

In the United States, there are two types of domestic adoption agencies – public and private.  Public adoption agencies are often operated by a county or state and their primary goal is to find homes for children who are in the care of the county or state.  Usually, public agencies place waiting children who are in the foster care system with adoptive families.  As you would expect, public agencies generally do not operate international adoption programs.    Private adoption agencies are privately owned and operated enterprises although they must be licensed by the state(s) where they reside and conduct business.  Many states also require private adoption agencies to operate as not-for-profit entities.  Usually, private adoption agencies primarily focus on placing infants with adoptive families.  Private adoption agencies often operate both domestic and international adoption programs.

If you are interested in learning more about adoption agencies in your area, please consider visiting the National Foster Care & Adoption Directory Search page on the US Department of Health & Human Services website -- http://www.childwelfare.gov/nfcad/.  This website is an invaluable resource as you can use it to search for public and/or private adoption agencies with domestic and/or international adoption programs on a state by state basis.  It is important to keep in mind, however, that you are not limited to working with an adoption agency in the state where you reside.  Thus, if you find an agency that feels right to you but is not located near you do not automatically assume you can not work with them.

Another wonderful resource, particularly for those interested in international adoption, is the website for the Joint Council on International Children’s Services (“JCICS”) -- http://www.jointcouncil.org/.  This not-for-profit organization operates in 52 countries around the world, including the US.  Its mission is to “advocate for, and protect the right of every child to a safe, permanent, and loving family.”  Many adoption agencies with international programs are members of JCICS.  The JCICS website contains a plethora of information, including the particular requirements for international adoption programs across the globe.  You can also use this website to research which countries offer international adoption programs and then, more specifically, which adoption agencies specialize in each country offering an international adoption program. 
 
As I see it, when you first start upon the path toward adoption, you need to investigate which adoption program(s) might work best for your family.  My advice is to keep a wide open mind when you are in this initial stage of researching.  There are many misconceptions about various adoption programs and the process is quite fluid – especially if you end up venturing down the international adoption path.  At all times, flexibility is critically important as there are many unpredictable but inevitable bumps along the road.  Perseverance is also necessary.