Adoption Process Steps, Considerations & Tips from Allison Schaaf | # 148

<div class= "current markeddown hide-on-edit js-desc js-show-with-desc" dir= "auto"> <p dir="auto">In episode 148, Miscarriage Hope Desk founder Allison Schaaf shares her experience with the adoption process.</p> <p dir="auto">Here are some tips and considerations to keep in mind if you’re thinking of adopting:</p> <p dir="auto">1. Find someone in your local community to talk to.</p> <p dir="auto">Adoption laws and procedures vary by area. Ask around to find someone local to talk to if you can.</p> <p dir="auto">2. Domestic versus International</p> <p dir="auto">This is a big consideration but I don’t have a lot of expertise here as I’ve only experienced domestic adoption.</p> <p dir="auto">3. Who to work with</p> <p dir="auto">You’ll have to complete a home study and profile book and then work with someone, an adoption agency or consultancy or attorney, to adopt. We’re working with FAC, Faithful Adoption Consultants, right now.</p> <p dir="auto">4. Home Study Process</p> <p dir="auto">The entire home study process can take several months. Be prepared for a lot of paperwork and remember that this process is in place to protect children. I find that perspective helps. I try to get started right away on the more time consuming parts of the process, like the background check. Setting up a physical can also take awhile. You also need to consider that the home study paperwork needs to be completed for all adults living in the house.</p> <p dir="auto">5. Letters of Reference</p> <p dir="auto">Start asking for reference letters early so people aren’t rushed.</p> <p dir="auto">6. Profile Book</p> <p dir="auto">This is basically a photo book showing your family. It’s a way to present your family as an option to the birth mom. I recommend having a photo shoot because there are lots of specific photos required. There are photographers who specifically create profile books for adoption which can be really helpful. I recommend starting this as soon as possible because it can take awhile to get the photos back.</p> <p dir="aut