Adoption Facts and Myths

This may happen if the child is able to move through their grief early, a lot of times it is just not the case.

Fact is, it will take time for your new child to adjust to the change. Children respond to you in their own way. For few it is an easy transition, for many others this will not be the case.

Facts About Who Can Adopt

Myth - only married heterosexual couples are allowed to adopt children

Myth - single parents cannot adopt

Fact - today, same sex couples, even single men or women are allowed to pursue adoption, this does however, depend on the laws and where you happen to live.

Myth - couples adopt children of the same race only

Fact - this is no longer the case, many people today adopt children of a different race

Myth - "I'm too old to adopt"

Fact - more children are being adopted within the family, eg. aunts and uncles are adopting their nieces and nephew, even grandparents are adopting their grandchildren rather than seeing them being put up for adoption to strangers.

Fact - many adopted children often demonstrate emotional disturbances and behavioral problems

Eligibility Adoption Facts

The following requirements are general in nature, some countries and agencies may place further requirements and restrictions to complete the process.

- you must be 21 years old
- you can be single, married, divorced or widowed
- you must be financially stable
- you must complete all adoption classes (education)
- you must be able to present a clear criminal and abuse background check
- you must participate in a homestudy
- commitment and knowledge

Children Available for Adoption

Fact - children of all ages, races and needs are available for adoption

Gay and Lesbian Adoption Facts

Fact - the National Adoption Center and the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, have publicly stated that sexual orientation does not affect an individual's parenting ability.

Fact - the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry reported that children adopted by homosexual's are NOT more likely to become homosexual and they are NOT more likely to be sexually abused.

Fact - Florida is the only state that outright bans all homosexual adoptions
- Mississippi does not allow same-sex couples to adopt
- Utah does not allow unmarried gay couples to adopt
- as for the remaining states, whether or not adoption by gays is allowed is determined by the agency and social worker

(Source: www.ehow.com - Gay and Lesbian Adoption Facts)

Fact - in 2007, approximately, 65,500 adopted children had at least one gay or lesbian parent in the US

Statistical Facts About Adoption

Fact - only 16% of adopted children are being raised in 2-parent families

Fact - 2 out of every 4 households in America have children who have been adopted

Fact - 15% of these adoptions come from foreign countries

Fact - 85% come from right here at home, and these numbers are growing every year

Fact - in 2005, there were over 22,000 international adoptions to US citizens

Legal Adoption Facts

Myth - adoption is very secretive with all records being sealed.

Fact - records are open to natural parents so that they know who has their child

Fact - Records are open so that the adoptive parent can learn about the birth parents including their medical history. This information will help them to offer the best possible care for the children that they adopt.

Fact - Be sure to get legal representation before you hire an adoption agency or individual because not everyone will have your best interest at heart. Some will scam you for your money and have no intention of giving you rights to a baby.

Facts About Adoption Costs

Fact - The cost of adoption varies depending on a number of factors. For example, the type of adoption, the agency through which you work with, where you live, attorney fees and whether travel is required.

Range of adoption Costs:
Foster care adoption $0 - $2,500
Licensed private agency adoption - $5,000 - $40,000+
Independent adoption $8,000 - $40,000+
Intercountry adoptions - $7,000 - $30,000

(Source: Child Welfare Information Gateway)

Fact - If you find it difficult to pay for all the adoption costs on your own, there are now many programs available (local, state, and Federal), to help you financially. It is important that you explore what programs you may qualify for.

Fact - When the adoption is complete, you can look into tax credits to get a financial break, what tax breaks apply to you will depend on where you live.

International Adoption Facts

Fact - You should expect to spend up to $10,000 for travel and related adoption expenses when adopting internationally.

Fact - Expect to participate in at least one visit and to be interviewed by the foreign adoption agency before your child is adopted.

It is important to have the facts before adopting a child. There is some inaccurate information circulating out there. Some of the problem lies in the fact that the laws from state to state differ as well as from country to country.

So what you hear may be the law in one place but it may not pertain to the laws where you live. Make sure that the information you get comes from a reliable source and that you consult with an attorney that specializes in adoption before you proceed on your own.

Is it Just a Myth or Do You Know
the Adoption Facts?

Are you aware of any myths about adoption? If so, will you let us in on the truth?

Or maybe you are unsure about whether or not something you heard about is true or not. Just ask here.

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