There are many ways to adopt

Adopting a child is an amazing way to expand your family. You get to share your life with a child who needs a loving family. However, adoption is not always an easy process. It can also be quite expensive. Fortunately, there are several possible ways you can legally adopt.

According to Adoption Center, you can adopt a child from within the United States or through international adoption. There is also the option of adopting a step-child, which is a different situation because it involves adopting a child with whom you already have a legal relationship. While there are various methods of adopting, there are two general options. You can adopt from the foster system or go through a private adoption.

Foster system adoption

When parents cannot properly take care of their children, they go into the foster system. Each state manages its own system. These children often live in foster homes, which are temporary places for them to stay. Some may live in group homes.

It is not uncommon for the parents of children in the foster system to retain their parental rights. This can sometimes slow down the adoption process because the parents must give up their rights or a court must terminate them before you can adopt the child. However, many parents would like to one day regain custody of their children so can be reluctant to agree.

Private adoption

You may be able to arrange a private adoption if you know a pregnant woman who does not intend to keep her child or go through an agency that finds expecting mothers who want or need to give up their babies. This happens outside the state system and typically is for infants. On occasion you may be able to adopt an older child privately, especially if you are adopting internationally.

Adoption allows you to grow your family while providing a child in need with a home and family. Make sure that you explore your options to find what works for your family.