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Adopting a child allows you to open your heart and home to another human person. Few things are more glorious. Couples choose to adopt for many reasons, but the end result is the same: they want a child to love. If you are interested in adoption, you should understand all aspects before making this important decision. A multitude of resources are available. Your local library is an excellent tool for researching adoption. In addition, the Internet is a fabulous tool not only for providing information about adoption, but also to meet other individuals who have adopted or are hoping to adopt. Many opportunities exist in your community to meet with other adoptive parents. This process is an emotional one, and having a support group of people who know what you are experiencing is an important tool in helping you succeed in this process.

Before you decide on adopting a child, you must first understand the process. Adoption involves three different entities: the birth parent(s), the adoptive parent(s), and most importantly, the child. In some instances, if the birth parents are either unknown or deceased, the state or government takes the place of this entity. Any child under the age of 18 is available for adoption. A common myth is that only babies or young children are adoptable. This is completely false, as many older children await a loving family to call their own. In additional to being a emotional process, adoption is a legal process, and all items must be taken care of to ensure the legality of the adoption. A number of lawyers and firms deal specifically with adoptive law, so all who are interested in adopting are strongly encouraged to seek the advice of these professionals.

When seriously considering adoption, you should be aware of all the options available. There are two main types of adoptions you should consider: domestic adoptions and inter-country adoptions. Domestic adoptions take place within the country are currently residing. There are many agencies available to help you adopting a child in your country of residence, and this is by far the most widely used option for adoption. In some cases, the child is adopted before the mother has given birth. In these cases, the child is immediately removed from the birth parent(s) upon birth and given over to the adoptive parents. In other cases, a child is available for adoption once the parent terminates his or her parental right. This termination can be either willing or unwilling. If the termination of parental rights is unwilling, a state agency has deemed the parent unfit and this decision has been decided by a court of law. In cases where the child does not have a parent or guardian, he or she is considered ward of the state and the adoption will be decided using the laws of that particular state.

Inter-country adoptions are when children are adopted outside of your country of residence. These adoptions are often more labor-intensive and can take longer since you must meet all requirements set forth by two countries - the child's country and your own. Similarly, the cost of inter-country adoptions is usually greater than domestic adoptions and can include several trips to the child's country. It is strongly suggested you deal with an agency or attorney to facilitate inter-country adoptions, since there are more laws and regulations that must be met. For example, in order for a child to immigrate to the United States, the child must be considered an orphan. This may or may not be the case literally, but if the parental rights were terminated (either willingly or not), the child is considered an orphan and is considered adoptable. Depending on the country you choose to adopt from, the rules, cost, and waiting will all differ. Some countries are more equipped to do inter-country adoption than others. Similarly, some countries will be able to give potential adoptive parents an estimated time frame for the adoption, so the parents can plan accordingly.

However you choose to adopt, research and education is the key. The more you know and understand the process, the more apt you will be to anticipate any problems, and the more successful you will be in your goal - to bring a child into your home. To find more information about adoption options, just log on to the Internet and visit locations such as www.aaadoption.com to do a thorough search. Remember, you may encounter many obstacles on your road to adoption, but the end result is well worth the time, effort, and energy.

Copyright 2005 by Dana Sanders. All rights reserved.