Adoption 101: Understanding The Basics

Starting your adoption journey can feel overwhelming, but understanding the foundational steps and terms can make the process more approachable. Here’s a simplified guide to help you navigate Infant Domestic Adoption and feel confident as you explore this beautiful way of growing your family.

What Is Infant Domestic Adoption?

Infant domestic adoption involves adopting a newborn or infant born within the United States. This process typically begins with an expecting mother (or birth parents) making the brave decision to create an adoption plan for her child. It’s a voluntary, legal process that requires careful consideration and preparation from both the birth and adoptive families.

The Adoption Process at a Glance

While every adoption story is unique, the general process includes these key steps:

  1. Decide to Adopt

    • Pray and reflect on whether adoption is the right path for your family.

    • Discuss your hopes, fears, and goals with your spouse (if applicable).

  2. Learn About Your Options

    • Choose between working with an adoption agency, an adoption attorney, or an adoption consultant (like CAC) who partners with multiple agencies.

  3. Complete a Home Study

    • This is a required assessment by a licensed social worker that evaluates your readiness to adopt.

    • Includes background checks, home safety checks, and interviews.

  4. Prepare Your Adoption Profile

    • Your profile is how you introduce yourself to expecting mothers. It typically includes photos, a heartfelt letter, and details about your family and values.

  5. Presenting Your Profile

    • Agencies or attorneys share your profile with expecting mothers whose preferences align with yours.

    • You have the option to review the details of a situation and decide whether to present your profile for consideration.

  6. Match With an Expecting Mother

    • A match occurs when an expecting mother selects your profile and chooses to move forward with you.

    • This begins a more intentional relationship, often involving communication through calls, emails, or even an in-person meeting before the birth.

  7. Placement and Finalization

    • After the baby is born and consents are signed, the baby is placed with your family.

    • You’ll complete post-placement visits before the adoption is legally finalized.

Adoption Terminology You Need to Know

  • Expecting Mother: A woman considering an adoption plan.

  • Birth Mother: A mother who has signed legal consent after placing her child for adoption.

  • Open Adoption: An adoption where birth and adoptive families maintain ongoing communication and relationships, typically including an annual visit.

  • Semi-Open Adoption: An adoption where communication occurs through updates sent periodically via email, private blogs, adoption-sharing sites, social media, and letters. This type of adoption often involves a meeting between the birth and adoptive families before the baby’s birth.

  • Presenting Your Profile: The process of allowing your adoption profile to be shown to an expecting mother considering adoption. This step lets the expecting mother learn more about your family and decide if you’re the right fit.

  • Match: When an expecting mother selects your profile and chooses you as the adoptive family for her child. This marks the beginning of a closer connection between both parties as they prepare for the baby’s arrival.

  • Finalization: The legal process where the court officially recognizes the adoption.

Common Questions Families Have

  1. How long does adoption take?

    • Traditional agency routes can take 2–3 years, but with CAC’s multi-agency approach, families often match within 7–12 months.

  2. How much does it cost?

    • Adoption costs vary widely, but CAC helps families access grants, loans, and fundraising options.

  3. What happens if the expecting mother changes her mind?

    • This is called a “failed” or “interrupted” adoption. While this risk cannot be removed entirely, ethical consultants and agencies minimize it by offering support to the mother before and after her decision.

Debunking Common Myths

  • "Only wealthy people adopt."

    • Not true! There are many resources to help families afford adoption, including grants and loans.

  • "Adoption always takes years."

    • While some adoptions take time, CAC’s approach reduces wait times for many families.

  • "Open adoption is just like co-parenting."

    • Open adoption is about maintaining healthy and respectful boundaries, not sharing parenting responsibilities.

Adoption Is a Journey of Faith

Adoption requires patience, perseverance, and trust in God’s plan. Every step—whether joyful or challenging—is an opportunity to rely on Him. Remember, you’re not alone in this journey. God is faithful and has a beautiful plan for your family.

Ready to Learn More?
I’d love to hear your story and help you explore how Christian Adoption Consultants can simplify the adoption process for your family. Send me an email at kelly@christianadoptionconsultants.com, and we can set up a time to connect. Whether you’re just starting to consider adoption or you’re ready to take the next step, I’m here to guide and encourage you every step of the way!