What do you have to contribute to an adopted child? Why do you think you will be a good parent? These questions will come up during your home study, so it is a good idea to start thinking about them now. Many couples immediately turn to financial resources, but being able to afford to raise a child is only one part of good parenting.

In my opinion, one of the most important things that most hopeful adoptive parents have to offer is a strong desire to want to parent a child. There are many parents out there who did not want to parent a child, but Mother Nature had other plans. Some of these parents rise to the occasion and do a great job; others do a lousy job, as is evidenced by the large number of children languishing in the foster care system.

Nobody becomes an adoptive parent by accident. The home study process is intimidating and grueling, and the process weeds out many prospective adoptive parents. Those who endure through all of the interviews, paperwork, and delays only do so because they really want to parent a child. Once they succeed in bringing a child into their home, most adoptive parents are very appreciative of their children and love them wholeheartedly.

SPONSOR

• Have a sibling who really wants a brother or sister


• Have a stable marriage


• Have many children in our extended family


• Have many children in our neighborhood


• Have pets who love children


• Knowledgeable about the child's special needs


• Like to play with children


• Live in a good school district


• Will be active in child's school


• Will have a stay-at-home parent

There is no right or wrong answer to this question, but it does help to think through why a child would want to live in your family. Doing this exercise will also help build your confidence that you will be approved to adopt.

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