The Today Show is doing a series of adoption stories and it seems, every paper has something about a local adoption celebration. November is Adoption Awareness month and it is during November that the media tends to focus on adoption issues.
If you are considering adoption, pay attention to recent articles but also, take some time to focus energy on thinking about what you really want. If your goal is to adopt and you really want a baby, domestic infant adoption is probably your first choice.
If you are open to adopting a child with some special needs or a toddler or older child, then international adoption or adopting from foster care would be the way to go.
When researching an adoption agency, make sure the agency is accredited. And if you are looking for someone to do your home study, make sure that person is connected to an accredited agency. Many agencies offer free information sessions and it's best to go to more than one agency before deciding on one. Definitely ask the agency for references.
Something else to consider when choosing an agency is how much support they will be able to provide post-adoption, should you need it. This is especially important if you do decide to adopt an older child. If things get rocky, you want to know that you can still call on your agency for support and guidance.
Whatever you decide, do your homework and use your decision making time and your waiting time, wisely. Happy adoption month!
Karen Chaudhry, LCSW is a local therapist in Bailey's Crossroads. Her website is http://www.thriveandchange.com./
