Why Adoption Agencies Are Great Resources The highs and lows that come with the adoption process can be daunting. You should know you aren’t alone. Adoption agencies aim to ease the stress of the process. With years of experience, agents can provide encouragement and knowledge as well as some insight. It’s important for prospective parents to make the best of agencies as resources. Don’t hesitate to ask for help with questions you may have before making your final decision. With nearly 125,000 children adopted in the United States each and every year, adoption agencies have the resources and experience to help prospective parents. Before consulting an adoption agency, you might find it useful to prepare a set of questions you and your partner may have. Why Are You Considering Adoption? Maybe you and your partner haven’t been able to conceive. You might be facing medical risks that could potentially harm you or the child you want to conceive. Whatever the case may be, it’s important to put serious thought into why you’re planning to adopt a child.

The idea of not being your adopted child’s biological parents can be hard. Couples in these situations have often explored all other options before considering adopting. Unfortunately, fertility treatments and others alike, may not be a successful for all

couples that try them. Thankfully, there are other options available to help you start a family, and many children who need a loving home of their own. No matter your motivation for wanting to adopt, the adoption agency of your choice will help distinguish whether or not you are ready to become a parent. Are You Ready for the Responsibility? Biological or adopted, a child is a tremendous responsibility. Any agency will be quick to emphasize the amount of work that goes into being a parent. However, it’s their job to make sure you’re ready for such a huge change of lifestyle. The cost of raising a child fluctuates for families everywhere. In a study, the average cost of raising a child for 17 years in the US ranged from $140,000 to $290,000. Costs include clothing, food, education, medical expenses and other miscellaneous expenditures.

Aside from the financial commitment, your agency will be sure to tell you that you should recognize the time commitment parenting is. Essentially, the life you live before becoming a parent will be altered exponentially. For parents adopting children with special needs, that time commitment may be greater than you had expected—not to mention the cost of caring for your child. Unlike a job, you can’t really call in sick on any given day. Your potential child will always need your love and support. However, for

most parents starting a family and welcoming a child into your life is also one of the greatest joys you will ever experience. How Old Will Your Adopted Child Be? Most children that are adopted through private agencies are adopted as newborns. Many prospective parents only consider domestic infant adoption. This is usually because the couple or individual wants to experience the trials and tribulations of infancy and the opportunity to see their child grow.

However, there are many older children in foster care in the US, and they all need loving homes as well. For some adoptive couples, adopting an older child is a better fit. Many will acknowledge the potential challenges that can come with parenting an older child who may or may not have had a difficult life up until the point of adoption. But that doesn’t mean those children don’t deserve a good home too, and certainly not all older children have problem adjusting to their new life in their new home; many welcome the new life and support. Most commonly, older parents adopt older children. Your adoption agency may be of great assistance helping you and your partner discuss which type of adoption works best for you as parents and as an adoptive family. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help After adopting, parents can experience the same emotional roller coaster biological parents feel. Like pregnancy, the adoption process can be long and tiresome. It will also test your patience and your security about becoming a parent. Maybe your expectations

were different from the reality of being a real parent. If you’ve become a little overwhelmed by the amount of work and energy that you’ve exhausted since your child has come home, don’t be afraid to ask for help. No matter the case, you should confide in a support system. A support system can be family, friends, neighbors or your adoption agency. Remember your adoption agency has been with you and by your side every step of the way. They won’t just up and leave after everything has been finalized. It’s important to understand that everything you’re feeling and thinking is normal, and your adoption agency is the perfect support system to help with that.

As an adoption agency, they have access and relationships with support groups that may be extremely beneficial for parents having a hard time with the transition. Many also offer post adoption services to help you after the adoption is complete. Ultimately, it’s important to build a support system that will be capable of providing assistance emotionally, mentally and physically. Adoption agencies are a great, if not the best, resource to find security in your decision to adopt and become a parent. If you ever find yourself in doubt, it’s time to visit your adoption agency and discuss ways to secure your decision. Adopting a child is an important decision that requires careful consideration. Are you contemplating adoption, or are you already planning to adopt a child? Do you have any idea about how or where to start? Action Adoption at Providence Place of San Antonio, Texas will guide you through the adoption process while making sure all your questions are answered. Contact them today to learn more about adoption and ways to get involved with our organization.