During my series on Deciding to Adopt a Child, a reader left the following comment:

Why don't they do it that way? Match AFTER the child is born and the mother has had all the time she needs to make her decision and to weigh the outcomes. Maybe it would reduce the amount of adoptions, but at least it would reduce failed adoptions perhaps... – Chromesthesia from Deciding to Adopt a Child:... more

When you are starting out the adoption process, the various types of adoption from which you can choose might overwhelm you. This post is to help explain each type and provide links to where you can find out more information.

Newborn Adoption

If you choose to adopt a newborn, you will likely match with an expecting mother who is in the later stages of her pregnancy (generally in her third trimester). In some cases,... more

From International Adoption: How to Choose a Country:

10. Decide which country is the best fit for your family.

If you have followed the process laid out in International Adoption: How to Choose a Country, then you have probably already narrowed down your selection of countries.... more

From International Adoption: How to Choose a Country:

9. Examine ethical considerations.

Ethics should always be a consideration when you adopt, whether you are pursuing a domestic or international adoption. The child you adopt should be waiting in an orphanage or foster home and need a home. Alternatively, the birthmother should have chosen adoption for the... more

From International Adoption: How to Choose a Country:

8. Evaluate the possible health and emotional risks for each country.

As I discussed in my last post, International Adoption: Life Before Adoption, whether a child lives in a foster home or an orphanage can affect the child’s emotional... more

From International Adoption: How to Choose a Country:

7. Consider the child’s life before adoption.

If you proceed with an international adoption, the child you adopt will most likely be living in either a foster care situation or an orphanage before the adoption. Where your child lives before the adoption can affect both your child’s physical and emotional health.

Attachment... more

From International Adoption: How to Choose a Country:

6. Evaluate your feelings toward each country’s heritage.

For whatever reason, some people feel drawn toward one country and not another when considering an international adoption. Listen to that voice inside of yourself that pulls you in a particular direction.

Once we had decided on International adoption,... more

From International Adoption: How to Choose a Country:

5. Research the history and political climate of each country.

Before you choose a country for your international adoption, be sure to learn all you can about the country’s history, culture, and political climate. Once you adopt a child from that country, your family will be connected to that country. Your child’s roots are from that country,... more

From International Adoption: How to Choose a Country:

4. Compare and contrast the international adoption processes.

The adoption process varies widely from country to country, so be sure to examine the processes for each country that you are considering. Here are some factors you might want to consider:

How Long Does It Take?

One big factor to compare... more

From International Adoption: How to Choose a Country:

3. Compare and contrast cost and time commitments.

All international adoptions are expensive. You are working with agencies or facilitators in two countries, both of whom expect to be paid. You will also need to travel to bring your child home or pay the travel expenses for your child and his escort. No matter how you slice... more