You have decided for your own reasons that you want to adopt. Each prospective parent approaches adoption from a different road. Whether pursuing adoption as a young couple, older couple, same sex couple, or single person there are universal issues that need to be considered.
In Canada, those who wish to be considered to adopt privately, through Children's Services, or internationally are required to attend PRIDE classes (Parent Resource for Information, Development and Education). PRIDE covers a standardized course outline. It can be taken either privately at a cost or at no cost through a local Children's Aid Society.
Prospective parents are also required to be a part of a SAFE Homestudy process where they meet with a social worker who will interview them on various topics to help determine if adoption is the right path for their family.
PRIDE and the SAFE Homestudy are both helpful (and mandatory) parts of the adoption process. The nitty gritty though comes from adoptive parents, birth parents and persons who have been adopted. Here is a list of 10 things that should really be talked about when someone is considering adoption.
1. Adoption is different than creating a family via pregnancy/birth
2. Not everyone will support you in your decision
3. All children who are adopted have unique and special needs
4. Loss is an inherent part of adoption
5. You will not be your child's only mother or father
6. Open adoptions are common
7. Even experienced parents have a steep learning curve after adoption
8. Post adoption stress is real and it can happen to you
9. Attachment isn't immediate, learning to love one another takes time
10. It takes more than just love in your heart
In coming posts each of the 10 items (and there are so many more that could be added to the list) will be expanded.
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