The Miracle of Adoption

We believe that every child deserves a safe and loving home, and many of the waiting children both in the U.S. and around the world are hoping this Christmas for a family to take them in. Adoption is a powerful way to make all the difference for one special child who desperately desires a "forever family". You can change the world for a child.

Because adoption can seem like such a complicated and overwhelming journey, we have put together HowtoAdopt.org, an online resource to take you step-by-step through the process of adoption.

Each year, approximately 120,000 Americans experience the miracle of adoption, and there are millions more who have considered adoption. Last year, approximately 60,000 Americans chose to adopt from the U.S. foster care system, and an even larger, yet unknown, number chose to care for kin; more than 22,000 Americans chose to travel overseas to adopt from such countries as China, Russia, Guatemala, South Korea, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, India and the like; and still another 50,000 or more others have chosen private domestic adoption right here in the United States.

If this is your first adoption, there is much to learn, decisions to make, and plans to layout. This guide is intended to introduce, instruct, guide, and provide resources to you as you go through the adoption process. You will need to educate yourself, conduct a personal assessment, consider funding options, decide on the type of adoption and age of the child, choose an agency or attorney, complete a Home Study, engage in the placement process, receive your child, finalize the adoption, and parent your child. Don't panic. It may seem overwhelming, but this guide will help you through every step of the way.

> Go to How to Adopt.org, the online guide to adoption