From Adoption 101: How to Adopt a Child:

3. Fill out an adoption application.

Filling out the adoption application can be a daunting task. Our application process involved two sets of paperwork. The first set alone was 14 pages. On one of those 14 pages, we were asked to make 46 decisions about which health risks we would consider in an adopted child and in the child’s birthfamily. The application... more

With my very thick application to adopt in-hand (technically, it was “Part I” of the application), I was finally on my way to becoming a parent. After years of spinning my wheels, I had something tangible to do that would lead me closer to my goal. I have always been someone who likes to get busy when I feel stressed out, so working through the application was a very positive activity for me.

I was surprised at how thorough the application was. It became clear that no stone in our lives would be left unturned by the time the application process was completed.... more

When you first apply for adoption, you will notice that you have begun a very demanding process.

There are questions in the adoption application that will throw you off guard, in addition to the common questions that you would EXPECT to be asked.

Such questions are in there to give the social worker an idea of your family makeup, and identify any potential trends in your family across the ages.

Some of the questions you will see are:

"Do you have a history of mental illness in your family?" "Have you ever had a child? If NO, why not?"... more