The Journey to Adoption

Domestic or International?

After deciding on what kind of a child would fit best in your family the next big decision to make is whether to go domestic or International. There are many points to consider when making this decision. Some include:

Cost - Domestic adoption can cost very little, if you go through the state. Through a private adoption the cost depends on agency fees, attorney fees, and whether or not you have to pay for an expectant birth mother's care.

Travel - When adopting domestically, especially through your own state there should be very little travel involved. International adoptions often require you and/or your spouse to travel to the country you're adopting from and for an extended stay ranging from one to 3 weeks.

Training/Classes - When adopting domestically through the state classes are often required. Some take as many as 25 or more hours to complete. Kansas requires you to take Model Approach to Partnership in Parenting classes (MAPP). I am a co-leader for these classes. My husband and I both agree that even if we decided not to do foster care that we would be better parents for having taken these classes. International adoptions and some other private adoptions do not require this.

Ages of Children Available - With Domestic Adoptions whether public or private you have the opportunity of being placed with an infant. Internationally you will never get a newborn.

There are many other pros and cons of adopting both domestically and internationally. For further reading and research please contact your different state adoption experts.