Adoption - A Positive Option

For couples and individuals that are diagnosed with infertility, same sex couples and many others, adoption is the most popular of the limited options these individuals might have to raise a child. Over the years, the amount of children that are available for adoption has decreased. However, there are always plenty of children ready to be adopted by the right family.

There are many reasons a family or individual might have for adopting a child. Infertility, which is the inability to become pregnant and/or carry a pregnancy to full term, is one of them. For couples that are infertile, adoption is one of the only ways these couples can raise children. Same sex couples often consider adoption. Single parents that do not wish to use a surrogate or sperm donor also consider adoption. Adoption by stepparents has become increasingly common after the death of a natural parent.

There are many reasons children are placed for adoption. Sometimes a single parent may conclude that they are unable to care for their child properly and feel that another family might be able to care for the child more adequately. Another reason might be that the child has been a victim of neglect or abuse and the family's parental rights were terminated for that reason. Some cultures look down upon single parenting and the natural parent feels pressured to place the child for adoption. Sometimes adoption plans are set before the infant is born. Other families place their children for adoption because of gender preference. Other families that are capable of reproducing choose to adopt a child because they feel it is more responsible for them to provide a parent-less child with a family. Others believe adoption is better because they do not want to contribute to a perceived overpopulation issue.

The cost of adoption can vary widely depending on the situation. Welfare adoptions, such as adoptions that take place as a result of neglectful or abusive natural parents, resulting in a termination of parental rights, can be considerably less expensive than some other adoptions. The adoption of minorities can also cost less. This is because the demand for Caucasian children and babies is so high. Caucasian families often prefer to adopt Caucasian children, rather than African American or Hispanic children. As a result, the cost of adopting children belonging to a minority is significantly less than the cost of adopting white children. This is meant to encourage the adoption of children of all races. Special needs children are also less costly to adopt. The amount one might spend on adoption can range from nothing to $40,000.

Not every individual or couple is qualified to adopt a child. In order to be considered for placement, a certain criteria must be met. This also varies from country to country and sometimes within countries. Different regions may have different laws. When a couple or individual applies for adoption, they must undergo an assessment of suitability. A criminal and mental background check might be performed. A home study and financial check may also be carried out. Sometimes the individual or couple will be asked to attend parenting courses to better prepare them for parenthood. Some regions require the adoption be undergone privately, while others allow the use of adoption agencies.

Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Adoptions