Step 7 - Take classes

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For the purpose of this article, the term "waiting child" refers to children currently available for adoption through U.S. public welfare and foster care programs.

More of this Feature

• 1. Educate yourself
• 2. Examine your capabilities
• 3. Adoption expenses
• 4. Select an agency
• 5. Complete an application
• 6. The homestudy
• 7. Take classes
• 8. Locating a child
• 9. Matching
• 10. Prepare to welcome your child
• 11. Placement
• 12. Petition to adopt
• 13. Finalization

Public agencies generally require pre-placement training to help prepare prospective parents for issues that can arise after a child or sibling group is placed with them. In some states, these are called MAPP (Model Approach to Partnerships in Parenting) classes, and are also required for those seeking to become foster parents.

Older (school-aged) adoptees bring not only unique special needs, but a history of life experiences that will affect interactions with adoptive parents, new siblings, school mates, and others. Issues related to disability, culture, early abuse, birth family members, etc., should be discussed - to your satisfaction - before a child is placed in your home.

If your agency does not require a training course, or provide enough education to make you feel comfortable, take advantage of every opportunity available elsewhere to learn about adoption, parenting, and developmental stages.

Best Resources

Education Resources

Next page > Locating a Child

Sources for this article include:
Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption
National Adoption Information Clearinghouse
North American Council on Adoptable Children
The Learning Center

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