Looking for ANY helpful information (or tips) from anyone who has been through the adoption process. There are so many agencies and types of adoption (international, open, etc) that we are finding it difficult to get started. Our loving and caring family (husband/wife and 6 year old child) wants to give a child a chance in life. We cannot conceive another child (by doctors orders), therefore, we are excited by the chance to adopt.

Thank you.

Well, I've been through it from the OTHER side--I'm a birth mother.

My first suggestion to you is to visit a site like adoption.com

They have stories from all three parts of the triad, plus information on domestic and international adoptions, referrals to agencies, pitfalls to watch out for, and people who have been through the same thing in forums to give you advice.

Also check your state laws - you may in a state where private adoption is an option.

Hello,
I adopted a child through the foster care system. What they ask you to do is not hard at all but, it is a lot. Classes,paperwork etc. Like I said it is not hard. The only thing is that once you get a child they might still need to see the parents until parental rights are taken away. In most cases with the foster care system they will place children with potential adoptive families when there is little or no parents involved. For me it has been worth it. I would say that, that is the hardest part if the parents are still involved some how. You have to start by getting a foster license to be able to get a child. I do not know what state you are in but you would have to contact the Department of Children and Family Services. They will guide you where to take classes and where to pick up the application. Feel free to write to me if you want more details.

Patty

Hello, my husband and I adopted our son in 2002 through open adoption. We have had a great experience. We went through an agency in Indianapolis (where we lived at the time). We have a nice relationship with our son's birthmother and her family. However, it was not cheap. However, the $10,000 tax credit we received helped a lot. If you are interested, I'd be happy to talk in more details. Just let me know your email address and I'll tell all I know. We are looking to adopt again this year (God willing... :). The agency we used in the first adoption was the Independent Adoption Center (or I.A.C.). They have agencies in IN, NC, GA, CA (and some others, I think). You can look them up on the internet for more info. Good luck!