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There's so much to know about finding, choosing, and working with an adoption agency that it can all start to feel a little overwhelming. Luckily, by following these simple steps, it can be easier than you thought to find "the right match" when it comes to local adoption agencies.

Considering Adoption

If you're considering adoption, you probably have a lot of questions--and that's a good thing. Adoption agencies love to hear that you're motivated, interested, and determined to make all the right choices for you and your future child. The good news is that there are plenty of adoption agencies in Idaho that are ready and willing to help you grow your family--and to help you choose between them, we've compiled these simple steps.

Step #1: Do your homework

You can learn just about anything by spending a few minutes on the Internet--and that's especially true when it comes to adoption agencies. Remember to focus on your specific needs; for example, some agencies specialize in local adoptions, while others have specialized expertise for foreign or foster care adoptions. Once you have this basic information, you can start doing "fieldwork"--reading reviews, making phone calls, and analyzing your first impressions.

Step #2: Reflect

Adoption agencies will ask for a lot of personal information so they can get to know you. This can include questions about your health, finances, education, relationship status, sexual orientation, religion, and more. Being prepared for these questions (and having a firm understanding of your values) can make it much easier to choose an Idaho adoption agency perfect for your needs.

Step #3: Ask questions of your own

Remember, it's not all about them. Ask any questions you might have--especially about finances, timing, home studies, and eligibility requirements. If the agency is willing to work with you and explain all the details, they're much more likely to be a good fit.

Want to learn more about adoption? Looking for adoption agencies in Idaho? Contact us today for all the help you need.

Learn more about Idaho Youth Ranch's Adoption Programs

 


Adoption Stories

One Young Mother's Happy Ending

March 2015: One September day, our Adoption Services office received a package of photos from the adoptive parents of a happy, healthy teenager whose birth mother had placed him with the Idaho Youth Ranch for adoption 14 years earlier.

The adoption specialist was able to locate Angela, the birth mother, inviting her to visit the office and pick up the photos. At the time of the adoption, Angela was facing a prison sentence for drug-related offenses. But when she came into the Adoption Services office 14 years later, she was obviously a transformed woman.

Angela told the staff how, after serving her time, she successfully completed a drug rehabilitation program and then stayed on as a volunteer to help other women through the program. Eventually, she got a full-time position at a residential facility that serves women in crisis due to homelessness and/or substance abuse.

Although placing her child for adoption was a very painful, difficult decision, Angela is grateful her son has a loving home. She wanted us to know how much she appreciated the support and guidance she found at IYR, and how that experience inspired her to find her life’s purpose.

Angela loves her work, especially the opportunity to help other women in the same tough position she was once in herself, giving them the tools and resources they need to turn adversity into opportunity.

From Foundling to Part of the Family

August 2015: Jennie, a single mom, worked hard in low-paying jobs all of her life to support her children. She has also cared for a 14-year-old boy, Jacob since he was left in her home by his birth mother when he was only three days old.

Jennie always meant to make it official and adopt Jacob but she didn't know how she would manage to pay for the legal fees or the home study. When the school system notified her that Jacob would have to leave school unless she could produce his birth certificate or prove she had legal authority for him, she turned to Idaho Youth Ranch Adoption Services for help.

To help Jennie get the adoption completed, Donna Euler, our Adoptions Program Supervisor, took the case on a pro-bono basis. A generous attorney in Sandpoint agreed to donate his services and the adoption filing fees, and the process began.

Donna wasn’t sure what to expect when she made the long drive to Jennie's house for the required home visit and interviews. But even though Jennie’s home was small and sparsely furnished it was also clean, warm, and homey.

Her children (both teenagers) were smart, polite, well-adjusted, and planning to attend college to become medical professionals.

“It nearly brought tears to my eyes when Jacob told me how desperately he wanted to share his mother's last name and legally be part of the family,” Donna said. “I am proud to be part of an agency able to help such a deserving family, who couldn’t have afforded this adoption otherwise.”

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