FAQ
We have been asked multiple questions which brings us here writing FAQ answers!
We chose our adoption agency based off of two different referrals from family friends. We researched agencies and their fees and ratings, but we did not attend any information meetings other than the agency we chose which is Lutheran Social Services.
Originally when we were deciding to grow our family through adoption we were hoping to adopt from China or Ethiopia, before we knew about the requirements we did not meet. Lutheran Social Services' information meeting introduced us to the international requirements. China requires both parents to be at least 30 years old with multiple other requirements. Ethiopia has fewer restrictions than China, but we still did not qualify because of our age.
Before attending the meeting we had believed the myth that it is more challenging to adopt in country than out of country. Apparently it is the complete opposite! Domestic adoption is about half the price of international adoption, mainly because of travel expenses. Also, domestic adoption can take from 8 months to 18 on average and international is 24+ months most times. Obviously the time it takes to adopt really depends on when the perfect expecting mom finds us and believes we are just as perfect as she is!
The good news was we were not restricted from domestic adoption! We have chosen to apply for the Domestic Infant Open Adoption program.
There are two routes you can take for the Domestic Infant Adoption program with LSS
Route One: Outreach Only- This route allows your registration to jump to the top of the pile. If you chose this route you are choosing to promote yourself and use word of mouth to find yourself the perfect match. If you choose this route and want to change to route two you will end up having to start from the beginning and go behind everyone on the "registration waiting list" talked about below.
Route Two: Family Profile Book- This route puts you on a registration waiting list. Basically there is about a 4 month wait for your registration to be accepted. After your registration is accepted you then start the application process which includes credit, income, background DMV and home studies. Once the application is accepted, you get in line for the Family Profile Book (This is the book expecting moms look through to choose their baby's best fit home.)
It sounds like route one is a lot quicker, and sometimes we wonder if we should be going that route but we chose Route two: Family Profile Book. We came to the conclusion that we can still reach out and get the word out there that we are a waiting family and if we are found while we are in our waiting period we can switch quickly to route one without question.
There were a couple questions on if our adoption will be open or closed. We have chosen an open adoption.
We chose this program because we would like our child’s mother to be in his/her life. Of course our family will not be “normal” in others' eyes, but we never want to hold pure love away from our child. Together we will make a new normal! We get to set up an adoption plan that fits both of our desires. We are very open and are willing to hear any mothers wants with the plan for their child. We are welcoming any race or gender into our family with open arms.
