From Carrie Craft,
Your Guide to Adoption / Foster Care.
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The decision to adopt a baby is very much a journey. To people unacquainted with adoption, the trek can be over-whelming. There are many questions to answer, emotions and beliefs to explore, and tasks to complete.

It all begins with the question, should I adopt?

Adoption is the permanent addition of a baby or older child to your family. This means you are that child's legal, forever parent, as if you gave birth to this child. You become responsible emotionally, physically, financially, and legally for this child.

Are you ready for this responsibility?

• Do you have the emotional capability to handle a child that may have in some cases, emotional issues?
• Are you ready for the "long haul", meaning that you are this child's care taker until the age of 18. Yes, this means through the teen years too!
• Are you ready to help the child cope with his grief and loss issues over birth family? This is also relevant with infant adoption, the loss issues hit later as the child starts to question.
• Are your children ready for an addition to the family, if you already have children in your home?

If you are adopting due to infertility issues

• Have you resolved these issues within yourself?
• Have you grieved your loss?
• Do you understand that adopting may bring these issues to the surface again?

Do you understand your adoption options?

• Have you thought about older child vs. infant adoptions?
• How about open adoptions?
• Are you interested in an international or domestic adoption?
• Have you thought about interracial adoptions?

Age of the adoptive parent, does it matter?

• Ask your doctor for his/her opinion on your adopting.
• Think of your strength and agility, would an older child be a better option for your family?
• Know that some international programs have a limit on the adoptive parent's age.
• Consider the age of the child. An infant may not be the best choice for some older adoptive parents.

What are the physical limitations of your environment?

• Is your home large enough?
• How about your vehicle?
• Do you need to fence your yard to accommodate a younger child?
• Do you need play equipment?

After much consideration with yourself and your spouse, if you are married, it is time to consider the next stop in your adoption journey and consider the Age, Sex, and Needs of the child.