Page 29 - Baby Society Magazine Issue 30

The wait is worth it
Once the necessary educational requirements are fulfilled and the introduction materials are created, these hopeful parents must undergo one of the hardest parts of the adoption process – the waiting period.
It takes approximately 18-24 months to be matched with an expectant parent. The waiting period is influenced by many factors, such as the family’s “preferences”, and can extend beyond 24 months.
Additionally, expectant parents are encouraged to meet some of the waiting families to ensure they are comfortable with the potential adoptive family before making final decisions. Such a meeting is a valuable opportunity for all involved to create the most appropriate match.
In some cases, expectant parents may wish for the agency to select a family for them. From there, the agency will determine the placement of the child based on the expectant parent’s wishes, the adoptive parent's preferences, and ultimately, what would be in the child's best interest.
These waiting families are crucial in the adoption process to highlight the breadth of hopeful parents to expectant parents looking to find their child’s perfect match. Once the match is made and adoption plans are copasetic, a new relationship can continue growing as the birth families, adoptive families, and adoptees continue throughout the lifelong journey of adoption.
Having licensed and compassionate professionals and a trusted adoption agency is crucial to ensure that all parties in the adoption triad are supported and have the resources they need to navigate the journey.
Further information about the lifelong journey of adoption can be learned by calling 702.385.3351 or visiting lovingheartsadoption.org.
Alexandra Hoops is Director of Adoption at Loving Hearts Adoption Services, a child-placing agency in Nevada.
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