According to the Adoption Institute, over half of Americans are somehow connected to adoption. In Georgia alone, there are 13,965 children in foster care; 2,370 of these children are waiting to be adopted.
Having the desire to adopt is usually the first step in starting the adoption process. But, after that, it can be difficult to know where to begin. There are a variety of options prospective parents can use to find a child to adopt.
Navigating the Foster Care System with an Adoption Attorney
With nearly 14,000 children in Georgia in foster care, there are children just waiting for a loving home. Foster parenting is a wonderful way to start the adoption process since nearly 20% of children in the foster care system are eligible for adoption.
If you are looking to adopt more than one child, there are also many sibling groups available for adoption through the foster care system. Even in the foster care system, it's helpful to have an Alpharetta lawyer working with you to make sure that your adoption goes smoothly.
Adoption Agencies and Adoption Lawyers
Adoption agencies are a helpful resource for families looking to adopt. Working with both birth parents and prospective adoptive parents, adoption agencies match families.
For parents considering international adoption, an adoption agency is a great place to start. Many adoption agencies specialize in handling adoptions in certain countries. Even when using an adoption agency, it's wise to consult a Georgia family law lawyer with adoption experience.
Word of Mouth
By telling friends and family you're interested in adopting, they'll be able to let you know if they hear of a child that's available for adoption, or a birth mother looking for adoptive parents for her child.
Sharing your desire to adopt with your doctor or lawyer can also be a way to get connected with a birth parent looking to put their baby up for adoption.
How a Cumming Adoption Lawyer Can Help
Regardless of how you start the adoption process, it's important to have a qualified family law attorney. Adoptions can be complicated, consider hiring an experienced Alpharetta adoption attorney, like those at the Law Office of Daniel Mitnick, to guide you through the process.
