There is a lot to think about before adding to your family. When considering adoption for a gay family, there seems to be even more decisions to make and options to keep in mind. A gay prospective adoptive parent must not only work through the adoption process, but also know what choices are available in their state or country regarding gay adoption.
Are You Ready to Adopt?
Photo © Carrie Craft
Here is where the choices begin when considering the best way to go about adding to your family.
- Know the adoption options for a gay family.
- Remember that timing is important when adding to your family.
- What needs can you meet? Spend time thinking about the age of child that would fit best into your family.
- Knowing what the term special needs adoption means and whether a special needs child would fit into your family.
- Know that adoption costs vary due to, for example, agency and lawyer fees, travel costs and birth family needs.
- Read up on some pros and cons to international and domestic adoption.
- Learn about foster care adoption. Foster care adoption is a great option and there are thousands of children waiting for homes.
Is Foster Parenting an Option for You?
Photo © Carrie Craft
I have trained several gay and lesbian families to become foster parents. Foster parenting is a joy and can be a wonderful way of adding to the gay family, even if only temporary. Again, whether a gay family can foster all depends on the guidelines and laws of your area.
Is Surrogacy an Option for You?
Photo © Carrie Craft
Another option to add to the gay family is through surrogacy. The following is a selection of articles from the About.com Guide to Gay Life.
Legalities for the Gay Family Considering Adoption or Foster Care
Photo © Carrie Craft
There seems to be more to consider when it comes to adoption and the gay family, and most of these issues lies within the legalities of the choice to adopt.
- Legal Issues for the Gay and Lesbian Family
- It's important to know where gay adoption is legal.
- A LGBT friendly attorney would also be a good advocate to have.
- Beyond the issues surrounding building a gay family is the important need to know what to Look for in an adoption agency.
- Be sure to prepare for your adoption home study.
