First Time Child Adoption

TABLE OF CONTENTS

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU START
THE OVERALL PROCESS
ADOPTION OPTIONS
THE TIME FRAME INVOLVED
YOUR FLEXIBILITY IN THE AGE/RACE/NEEDS OF A CHILD (OR CHILDREN)
LEGAL COMMITMENT
RANGE OF COSTS
FOSTER TO ADOPT
HOME STUDY
CHILD BEHAVIORAL CHALLENGES
DOMESTIC INFANT ADOPTIONS
INDEPENDENT VS. AGENCY
YOUR PROFILE
CREATING AN IMAGE
INTERNATIONAL ADOPTION
APPLICATION
INTERNET
AFFORDING ADOPTION
IRS TAX CREDIT
FAMILY OR COMPANY CONTRIBUTIONS
GRANTS OR LOANS
AVOIDING COMMON PITFALLS
ADOPTION SCAMS
THE BIRTHMOTHER – AND BIRTHFATHER AND THEIR RIGHTS
FULL DISCLOSURE – IT’S YOUR RIGHT
CONCLUSION