AboutColleen Expertise I can answer questions about the adoption process. I don't handle questions about searches for adoptive parents.
Experience I have three adopted children. The two youngest were adopted as infants. In both cases, we dealt with the birthmother during her pregnancy and a bit afterwards. Our children are now old enough to begin asking questions and we are dealing with those issues.
Expert: Colleen Date: 2/5/2008 Subject: Where To Start?
Question A little history, I have 3 sons 14, 12, 4 and a 7 yr. old girl. I have PCOS and for the past 3 years (feb. 2005) I have bled for 2-3 weeks of every month. In November on 2005 I have a tubal ligation and endometrial ablation done to help stop the bleeding. My options at the time were to deal with it, get a hysterectomy or an ablation. I thought I was finished having children and felt good about the decision. Well my husband and I feel like we have a little girl waiting for us somewhere. We are very open to the idea of adopting and so are our children, we just don't know where to start. We are LDS and know that LDS social services can help in the process. Is there any info you can give us on what to do first or what you suggest? Thanks so much.
Answer There are many avenues you can explore for adoption. If you want a baby, your options are limited in the US, but may be better if you are willing to do an overseas adoption. Even those markets are drying up somewhat in the last couple of years. If you are willing to adopt an older child, your local Children's Services would be able to help. Every state has different programs. In my state (NJ) there is a program where you can be a foster parent to a child who most likely is, or will soon be, available for adoption.
If you are interested in a baby, you would need to contact adoption agencies in your area who would do US as well as overseas adoptions. You can research them online. However, I must caution you that since you have four children of your own, you may find it hard for an agency to accept your application for an infant. Most agencies have waiting lists of anywhere from 3 to 10 years. My niece is currently waiting for a daughter from China. She has been with this agency for two years and has been told it would be another 15 to 18 months. As previously stated, if you are willing to adopt an older child, you would contact your State's child welfare agency.
