Where do I start?

So you feel the calling to adopt a child or to become foster parents….You and your spouse have prayed about it and are in agreement. and you know that this is not just a fanciful idea, or over romanticized fantasy, but a real Calling, the Lord has placed on you. An invitation to lay your life down for one of the least of these.  You’re ready to respond to the call. 

Now what?

The first step is to research, and determine if you’re meant to foster or adopt, and understand the differences between the two.

Foster care is when you take in a child whose parents are unable to provide for them. You give them a safe place to live, food and clothing, and education, with the goal of restoring them back to their family if possible. Restoration when possible, adoption only when necessary. If restoration is not possible, they remain in foster care until a forever family is found for them, which may or may not be you.

Adoption is when you become the legal guardians of that child. You become their parent(s), and they become your child. There are many different types of adoption—including international adoption and private domestic adoption—and each has its own requirements and timing. The remainder of this article will focus on adoption (we will focus on foster care in another article).

Once you've determined you want to adopt, talk to your immediate family and a few close friends about adopting. This way, they can ask questions and get information that will help them understand your decision.

When considering adoption, it's important to seek out reliable information on the subject. There are many ways to learn more, such as:

-reading books and articles on adoption

-speaking with people who have adopted or fostered children

-research about trauma-informed care 

Adopting a child is a big decision, and if you're considering it, it's important to think about the costs involved, both financially and emotionally. Be sure you know what you're getting into. Before you decide to adopt, make sure that you've thought about your finances and how much money will be involved in the process. Also make sure every family member in the household understands what you’re all committing to.

One of the most important steps in the adoption process is to find an adoption agency that fits your needs. There are many adoption agencies in the United States, and they all do different things. Some specialize in specific types of adoptions—like international adoptions or infant adoptions—while others offer services for all types of situations. Some are affiliated with religious organizations, while others are secular. It's important to find one that feels like it fits your values, and provides the type of service you're looking for. We highly recommend Zoe’s House Adoption Agency for those who are looking for infant adoption from a Christian agency.

Once you’ve found the adoption agency that fits your needs, they will most likely guide you through the process of paperwork, classes, requirements, costs, and so on. Ultimately it cannot be understated how important it is to be informed before pursuing adoption because it’s a life-changing decision for every member of a family.