Joan and Dave Benner are the proud parents of two adoptive children. It took them five years to navigate the adoption system and find their two precious angels. They understand the yearning for parents to adopt children, and they have seen first hand the number of children who are in desperate need of good homes. For these reasons, the Benners launched Precious Angels Adoption and made it their personal mission to leverage their failures and triumphs in the adoption system to help others. Below are the questions that prospective adoptive couples ask the most.

How do I start the adoption process?

If you are considering adoption, congratulations! You are taking the first step. Every year, hundreds of thousands of people around the world choose to pursue adoption for a variety of reasons. Learn as much as you can about adoption, both as a legal process and a lifelong family commitment. Then contact local adoption professionals in your area.

Is International Adoption Easier and Cheaper?

No, this is a common misperception. Looking abroad to adopt requires additional steps, paperwork and approvals that add up to more time, money and uncertainties. There are thousands of children here in the U.S. in need of good homes.

Are there Babies to Adopt?

Yes, there are babies but adoptive parents must realize that depending on their preferences in children they may be very difficult or impossible to find. Adopting babies requires networking or advertising to birth mothers.

What is an adoption homestudy?

All states require a "homestudy." Homestudies evaluate your desire and commitment to adopt, to explore the reasons why you want to adopt, to evaluate you as a prospective parent, and to provide education about adoption. The homestudy itself is a written report of the findings of the social worker who has met with the applicants on several occasions, both individually and together. At least one meeting will occur in the applicant's home. If there are other people living in the home, they also will be interviewed by the social worker.
Can a birthmother get her baby back after the adoption?

Once an adoption has been finalized according to law, the placement is considered permanent. In some states, signing voluntary relinquishment papers is followed by a period of time during which the birthmother can change her mind. Once that period has expired, her parental rights are terminated. Exceptions arise when all legalities have not been observed, or if coercion or fraud can be proved. In these cases, even after finalization, the adoption could be reversed. This is one reason why all parties to the adoption should make it their business to understand the law, know the professionals with whom they are working, and be sure to their satisfaction that the entire process is being done with close attention to legal details.

Finding an Adoption Company

The agency you select will depend on the type of adoption you are pursuing (domestic, international, etc.) and other details specific to your family’s adoption plans which may include your age, faith, marital status, costs, etc.Researching an agency is an important step in the process and includes asking questions, talking with references, and gathering information. Also the agency should ethical, open and forthright. Ultimately, you need to feel comfortable with the professionals who will be working for you.

How much does it cost to adopt?

Adoption costs range from little or nothing (adoption of children in the U.S. foster care system through public agencies) to $30,000 and more, depending on the type of adoption you choose.

What is open adoption?

Open adoption is an adoption that allows for an ongoing relationship among the birth family, adoptive family, and adoptee. Fully open adoptions can often include extended family members such as birth grandparents and siblings.There are several degrees of openness so it is important that placing and adopting parents and family have the same understanding of what “open” means and that they remain committed to meeting the needs of the child throughout the child's life.

Precious Angels Adoption is based in Bethlehem, PA and can be contacted 610-419-8747 or visit www.preciousangelsadoption.com. All information contained in this article is for informational purposes only and shall not substitute for personal, professional, legal or other advice.

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