Any adoptive parents here?

[autogateman]

I know this is waay off topic, but does anyone here have experience with adopting a child? My wife and I just started our home study and are trying to find resources for getting connected with birth mothers for private adoption. I would rather not go through an agency ($$). As of now we're on an email list through an adoption attorney that specializes in private adoptions but that's about it. I appreciate any help you guys can offer. We're excited!

Thanks,
Rod

 

[Barry J]

Catholic Charities. Private attorney is the way to go if you don't want to go through an agency, but don't expect it to be any cheaper.

 

[Alw041]

My wife and I are in the middle of adopting and we ending up going with an agency out of CA. We were hesitant at first, but they have been amazing. They are called Lifetime Adoption. Price wise, they were also one of the most reasonable. If you need an attorney, one of the best is Steve Baker out of Shreveport, LA.

 

[velociraptor]

Sign up to be foster parents. There are many kids (unfortunately) that come into state custody at all ages. The foster parents have the first chance to adopt children when parents lose parental rights. There is no cost and in fact they actually subsidize the process.

There are children of all ages and races form infants up to teens in state custody. Some are trouble makers but most are just kids having to deal with grown up issues at a way too early age.

 

[buckedup]

My wife and I have 4 kids all adopted through foster care. We adopted 2 brothers and 2 sisters. It is VERY challenging at times but has definitely improved our lives. I could not imagine life without them.

 

[enutees]

I adopted from Guatemala almost 8 years ago. We used Catholic Charities for our home study and an out of state agency for the rest. No option is cheap. But good luck however you go. It's pretty much all stupid expensive and all of your relatives and friends will probably **** you off during the process lol.

 

[davidd]

Both I and my younger daughter came to be where we are courtesy of Catholic Community Services in Baton Rouge. Both were local adoptions; mine closed, my daughter's open. No, we didn't get a repeat customer discount... It's been almost 13 years (for her, not me). Cost wise it was a sliding scale based on income. From what I remember, the federal adoption tax credit covered a good bit of the fee, though it took 3 or 4 years for us to claim it all (non-refundable, only available against existing taxes owed). We didn't make that much back then.

I had a great experience with CCS, both times! I cannot say enough good things about them.

 

[autogateman]

Wow I wasn't expecting so many people on here to respond! This is all new to us and we're still learning. From what were being told , if we adopt a newborn in a private adoption, it's about 10-15k$ plus any medical bills we would be responsible for. I'll be looking in to catholic charities. Thanks guys!!!

 

[SeventhSon]

We adopted. Single best thing I have done with my life. We are also certified foster parents. Check with the foster care system. There are so many kids needing a good home.

 

[autogateman]

UPDATE-finished our home study, met with adoption Atty a month ago, got placed two weeks later. Wife is at hospital today with birth mother to find out the gender of the baby due end of March. Can't believe how easy this process is going! Y'all please keep us in your prayers that she follows through until the five day waiting period after baby is born. Thanks!


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[REDLINE83]

In our prayers buddy. Happy for yall and Im sure it will all work out. Going through this process, know yall going going to be great parents

 

[AK shooter]

Catholic charities, he is 7 now.

 

[autogateman]

Catholic charities, he is 7 now.

Awesome!


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[autogateman]

Well-ITS A BOY!! )


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[Emperor]

Well-ITS A BOY!! )

Good for you!

 

[REDLINE83]

Congrats

 

[autogateman]

Tomorrows the big day! 10 am scheduled c section. Gonna be a long five days!

 

[charlie12]

Happy for you and your wife.

 

[mxracer72]

Congrats man. Not many people have the courage to do what you've committed to.

 

[SVTFreak]

Congratulations and God bless those of you doing your best to better any child's life and give them the childhood they deserve.