1. CHOOSING ADOPTION

2. Choosing Adoption  Biological parenthood is not the only option for those who want children and are ready to become parents.  Adoption-is the legal process by which people acquire rights and responsibilities of parenthood for children who are not biologically their own.  What is the most common reason people put children up for adoption?  They find themselves physically, emotionally, and financially unprepared for parenthood. They made the decision that was best for the child.

3. Why adopt?  Genetic counseling  Infertile  Health  To provide a loving home for a child without one

4. The Adoption Process  Most people do so through a public or private adoption agency, often found in the phone book, online, or through social services.  You have to fill out application forms and undergo a series of meetings with a social worker.  The social worker will ask prospective parents about their income, time demands on job, and dedication to family.  He or she will also visit their home to make sure it is clean and safe.  They do background checks and ask references about them.

5. The Adoption Process  There is a waiting period for all adoptions. The wait for adopting a healthy infant is longest in some cases between two to seven years. If a parent is willing to adopt a child who is older or has special needs, the process is much faster.  After the child is placed with the adoptive parents the social worker will visit the home several times to ensure the child is receiving proper care.  The child lives with the parents for a minimum of six months before the adoption is final.  The process for legal adoptions vary in each state.

6. International Adoptions  In some countries, there are many more children needing parents than there are parents seeking to adopt them. Infants can be adopted from more than 50 countries.  Most children were born to poor mothers who cannot afford to support another child. Half of all children adopted are under the age of one. Nearly ALL are under the age of four.  For overseas adoption you are usually required to make one or more trips overseas.

7. Adjustments After Adoption  Adoption, like all major family events requires some emotional adjustments.  Like….

8. Becoming a Foster Parent  Foster Parents- are adults who provide temporary care for children who have been removed from their homes.  Foster parents must be approved and licensed by the state. They receive a small monthly payment to cover costs of food, clothing, shelter and other basic needs.

9. Cambodia Adoption  http://video.google.com/videosearch?hl=en&q=ad option&um=1&ie=UTF- 8&sa=N&tab=wv#q=cambodia+adoption&hl=en &emb=0 http://video.google.com/videosearch?hl=en&q=ad option&um=1&ie=UTF- 8&sa=N&tab=wv#q=cambodia+adoption&hl=en &emb=0  http://www.mtv.com/videos/true-life-im-placing- my-baby-for-adoption/1614255/playlist.jhtml http://www.mtv.com/videos/true-life-im-placing- my-baby-for-adoption/1614255/playlist.jhtml