Thinking about adoption? Look locally!

Many people who consider adoption immediately think about the foreign lands of Japan, China, Russia and Latin America - all places where they still have orphanges. We think of those poor little souls waiting for a loving family to take them in and it's heartbreaking. But anyone who has done research on the costs involved in international adoption are hit with the harsh reality that these kids cost some big bucks! For some families, money is no object and spending $20,000 to $40,000 for a child is a small price to pay. For many of us, we don't have the extra savings or lines of credit to call upon. As for my partner and I, we just figured we'd have to find the money somehow. An extra job, sell some stuff, maybe even borrow from friends and family.

Then we met a person who had a 10 month old baby he adopted. He was single and had a decent home business. He told us that he had only spent about $1000 in fees and paperwork. And where was this magical country that was practially giving children away? It was our own county in California -USA! You see, almost all of the United States have local county adoptions available. Amazingly, this is an untapped resource that a lot of people (ourselves included) know nothing about.

The local adoptions are usually through the foster care system. A lot has changed in "the system" since I was a kid. When people mention the foster care system the first reaction is that these children are damaged goods and all the kids are older. While there is some truth about some of the children having "special needs" I've got to tell you, more often than not these children grow and thrive in any home that is willing to love them and look outside for help when the going gets rough. Sounds like "regular" parenthood, right? And as for the age thing, there are plenty of infants and plenty of older kids so you really can get exactly what you can handle.

The social workers that help you through the adoption process want what is best for the kids. Most are open to any type of family or single person. Many of the agencies even have classes you must take to help you be a better parent. We were blown away by how much they prepare you for having a kid.

I know I am painting a really rosy picture here, but I gotta tell you we have had the best experience so far and are about to be matched with a precious little boy! So, if sticker shock has you wondering if you can afford to adopt be sure to look into local adoptions in your county and state. Your little angel could be waiting for you right in your own city!