Barry H. Friedman

The legal requirements for international adoption are more complicated than domestic adoption. To adopt a child from a foreign country, you must meet both the requirements of the United States, as well as, the requirements of the child's native country.

Through all the trials of the foster and adoptive journey, I want you to know that the calling you've received to care for vulnerable children is valid. And it is beautiful. - Mike Berry

The United States adopts more children, not only domestically but also internationally, than the rest of the world combined. Adoption in the United States is mostly governed by state law, although federal constitutional principles may also come into play.

Can you adopt twins? Yes, you can adopt twins if you are able to prove that you can take care of both of them simultaneously, and you pass certain legal requirements such as the home study requirement.

There are times when the adoption process is exhausting and painful and makes you want to scream. But, I am told, so does childbirth. - Scott Simon

Infertility is not the only reason people choose to adopt. Even parents who already have biological children may decide to give another child a safe and loving home so long as they have the time, energy, and finances to parent the child.

Did you know that adults can be adopted too? This means that someone who has outgrown the foster care system still has a chance to find a loving forever family.

News about infertility can be devastating, but this does not mean your dreams of becoming a parent end there. Adoption can help couples heal and start a family of their own.

In open adoptions, the birth parents choose the adoptive family and they are able to build a relationship with the child. In closed adoptions, birth parents and the adoptive family don’t stay in contact after the adoption process.

Did you know that the US adopts more both locally and internationally than the rest of the world combined? In fact, around 7 million Americans are adopted, 1.5 million of whom are children.

Not everyone is healthy enough to overcome the physical challenges of pregnancy. For instance, those with heart conditions or epilepsy are advised against pregnancy, in which case adoption makes for a good alternative.

During the 1930s, state laws regarding adoption were strengthened in order to protect adoptive parents from being harassed by birth parents. The practice of sealing original birth records, making them unavailable except by court order, started in California.

Transracial adoption provides a wonderful opportunity to learn and incorporate different cultures into one’s family. According to studies, one in three children from foster care has adoptive parents who come from another race.

A genetic disease in the family is always a cause of concern whenever the thought of having children comes up. Adoption can help fulfill your dreams of starting a family without the anxiety that the disease may be passed to an innocent child.

Some people feel very strongly about overpopulation and do not want to add another child to this world when there are millions already suffering. Parenting a child who’s already been born allows them to stay true to their beliefs.

In ancient times, adoption practices were more focused on the economical and political interests of adoptive families. Rather than providing for needy and homeless children, adoption was used merely as a tool for creating male heirs.

Statistics reveal that couples in their 30s and 40s are the most likely to adopt. Coincidentally, these people often become excellent adoptive parents because they are more financially stable and can provide the child with all the needed resources, love, and support.

Stepparents are often left heartbroken when they find out that their rights regarding their stepchild’s welfare are often limited. Adoption allows you to become more involved legally, which can forge stronger bonds between you and the child.