What people hoping to adopt typically do:

• Learn about adoption.
  Adoption is a lifelong process and doesn't end when you are given custody of a baby. Some developmental stages of your child will be common to all children and some unique to children who are in adoptive families. You should attend classes and workshops, talk to other adoptive families and read books about all aspects of adoption.
• Find an adoption professional to assist you.
  Only a licensed adoption professional (adoption agency, attorney etc.) can do the paperwork required to legally adopt. They can also provide or help you with other services as well. There are many ways to find these professionals. Use the phone book, talk to a counselor or religious leader, or use an online directory such as Adoption Professionals.com.
• Begin your home study.
  Although specifics may vary, a homestudy is a process you must go through in order to qualify for adoption. A home study may include analysis of your relationship, health, living conditions, employment and mental status. Criminal background checks are also typically performed. You will probably be asked to write about yourself and/or partner including your hopes, aspirations, strengths and weaknesses. This is also when you will write your "Dear Birthparent" letter.
• Make contact with a potential Birthparent.
  At this point your networking efforts should be in high gear. You can use many methods to find potential Birthparents and should use at least 2 different resources to maximize your opportunities. For example, your Adoption professional should be showing your profile to potential Birthparents and you should be doing some personal networking using newspaper ads or online sites such as Adoption Online. Our helpful "Tips, Hints and Advice" page can help you with this stage of the Adoption process.
• Choose a potential Birthparent.
  When you have established a relationship with a potential Birthparent that works for both of you (you and the Birthparent), there will still be many legal and emotional challenges ahead. This is where your Adoption professional can be especially helpful.
• Start your new family.
  If all the issues have been resolved, and the Birthparent(s) have terminated parental rights it's time to get started enjoying your new family. Remember that even though this is a most joyous time for you, it may be just the opposite for the Birthparent(s). If you have an open adoption, don't neglect the commitments you have made to keep in touch.