Gathering Information

Few choices in life are as significant as the decision to adopt a child. Doing your research and gathering information is a critical first step. If you are open to adopting transracially/ transculturally, we have a list of questions that we suggest you consider. We believe that attending one of Spence-Chapin's free information meetings is a great way to get started. You'll meet families who have recently brought their children home and members of our professional staff who will give you detailed information and answer any questions you may have. You will also receive application instructions.

The Home Study Process

Once you decide to move forward with Spence-Chapin, the next step is to send in your application. Once that has been accepted, you will begin the home study, a period of education and study that usually lasts three to four months. In addition to working individually with your social worker, you will meet in a group with other prospective parents and your social workers to discuss the transition to parenthood and the issues that you might face. During this time, important documentation, such as birth and marriage certificates, will be gathered into a protfolio that will be used in moving toward a legal adoption. You will also create a 'family album,' an informal book of photos and letters that will be shared with birth parents who are ready to choose the adoptive parents for their child.

Waiting for Your Baby

When your home study is complete, your family album is added to the pool of prospective adoptive parents available to be selected by a birth parent. The wait varies, but averages six to twelve months. Your social worker will notify you as soon as you are selected by a birth mother. In most cases, this occurs around the time of the baby's birth. The average age of the baby at placement is four to six weeks old. The baby is examined by a Spence-Chapin pediatrician and all medical information about the mother and the baby is shared with you.

After Your Placement

Recognizing that adoption is a lifelong experience, Spence-Chapin provides ongoing resources to adoptive families. Our Adoption Resource Center (ARC) welcomes all members of the adoptive community and offers educational workshops, playshops, discussion groups, counseling, and additional resources. Adoptive families may want future advice from the experts at SPARK Child Development for Adoptive Families, focuses specifically on developmental issues. Prospective and new adoptive parents also find the Baby Care workshops to be beneficial.

Spence-Chapin celebrates the heritage of all the children in our family with annual cultural celebrations and a large Halloween party where we all come together and see how we've grown!

	Suggested Resources
	Adoption Without Fear, edited by James L. Gritter, M.S.W.
	Making Sense of Adoption, by Lois Melina
	Openness in Adoption, by Harold D. Grotevant and Ruth G. McRoy
	Additional Books &  Resources