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STARTING YOUR ADOPTION JOURNEY IN 2025? HERE’S WHAT TO DO.
By Alexandra Andress, Director of Adoption, Loving Hearts Adoption Services
Adoption is an honorable choice that is inspired by differing motivations, each reflecting their
own unique journey. Families pursue adoption for a variety of reasons, whether it’s after facing infertility or feeling called to adopt a specific child with whom a relationship already exists. Choosing adoption takes courage and commitment. While families may still grapple with grief from past losses, embracing adoption means closing those chapters and fully dedicating themselves to the adoption process. If a family has decided that adoption is the right path for them, the next step is to reach out to a licensed adoption agency in the family’s state of residence.
To locate a licensed adoption agency, families may want to consider reaching out to their local child welfare office for a list of agencies in their area. When selecting an agency, it is a good idea to contact multiple agencies to explore options and get a sense of how each agency operates. When inquiring, families should be sure to ask important questions to ensure the most appropriate agency for their needs is selected. Here are some key questions to consider:
What are the eligibility requirements for adoption through the agency?
How does the agency facilitate matches between adoptive parents and expectant parents?
How many waiting families does the agency work with at a time?
Does the agency provide post-placement support services to birth parents?
How are the agency’s fees structured?
These questions can help families make informed decisions as they select an adoption agency.
Hopeful adoptive parents should take time to consider their lifestyles and determine their plans and expectations as they move through the process. Welcoming a new baby requires flexibility, and the adoption process demands patience. Things will not occur perfectly as planned, but this doesn’t mean families should not be preparing. Expectant parents have the option to choose their child’s adoptive family themselves, so it is essential for families to be open and honest about who they are and what they expect their daily life to look like once the baby arrives.
Once a family has selected the right agency and received approval to adopt, they can begin the wait to bring a child home. Since there are usually more families looking to adopt infants than there are expectant parents choosing adoption, most families face an uncertain waiting period. The waiting period can be challenging, but support from others can make it more manageable. Staying informed about adoption and engaging with the adoption community during this period can benefit families. If the wait period becomes too difficult, some families choose to travel or tackle projects they have been putting off.
While the process of adoption can take years, having the right agency at their side can help make many of these questions much more manageable for prospective adoptive parents. Loving Hearts wishes all families preparing for adoption an abundance of love and good luck on their journey.
Further information about the lifelong journey of adoption can be learned by calling 702.385.3351 or visiting lovingheartsadoption.org.
Alexandra Andress is Director of Adoption at Loving Hearts Adoption Services, a child-placing agency currently licensed by the state of Nevada (#880059215).
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