|
Adoption may bring up many issues – social, emotional and financial – but prospective parents can prepare themselves by taking a good look at what's potentially involved. The decision to start a family through adoption needs to be made with great care.
To find out if you're ready to adopt, start by asking yourself the following questions about the process itself:
- How much do you know about adoption? Do you know anyone who has adopted a child?
- Have you begun to research and discuss the choices you have in the adoption process?
- Have you learned about special needs children?
- What do you know about the issues of birth families?
Adoption's financial implications are far-reaching. Make sure you can answer these questions:
- Do you know the basic costs of adopting a child in your area, and the expenses involved in the various types of adoptions?
- What is your current financial situation? Can you adequately support a new child on your income?
- Do you have adequate savings for any unexpected expenses that may arise?
- What are your workplace policies regarding leave and dependants?
- How much do you know about the various funding, subsidies, sponsored programmes and tax incentives for adoptive families?
Other questions touch upon emotional concerns:
- Have you come to terms with whatever issues have brought you to consider adoption?
- If infertility played a role in your decision, have you acknowledged the loss involved and completed your grieving process? Are you at peace with not experiencing pregnancy?
- If married or in a relationship, are both partners committed to becoming adoptive parents?
- Are you prepared to invest your time and emotions in what might be a lengthy and frustrating process?
- The adoption process does not always end in a successful placement. Have you thought about what will happen if you cannot find a child or if the adoption is disrupted? How well are you able to handle crises and disappointments?
- Many birthmothers today request open adoptions. What involvement would you expect from your child's birth family?
Socially, adopting a child raises more questions:
- Have you discussed this decision with extended family and friends?
- Do you have an adequate support system to help you through the process?
- Will your loved ones be able to make your adopted child part of the family?
- Do you have a realistic view of yourself as a parent? Do you understand that parenting an adopted child is different from parenting a birth child?
- Have you researched and/or joined an adoptive-family support group?
- How will having a child change your daily life?
- How are you with new relationships? Are you willing to open yourself up to meeting new people who will be part of your child's life?
Really take the time with these questions, and become comfortable with your responses. Learning about adoption and examining your feelings should give you a good idea as to whether you're ready to begin the process. You should feel confident about whether you are ready to begin the adoption process or if you need to give it more thought, as this decision will greatly impact your lives and the life of a child.
Reference:
Workplace Options (WPO). (Reviewed 2019). Are you ready to adopt a child? London: Author.