Discover why surprising your stepparent with adoption paperwork isn't feasible, but learn how to approach this heartfelt gesture in a meaningful way. Explore the emotional and legal aspects of stepparent adoption today.

Are you wondering about gender in adoption? Gender in adoption is an interesting and sometimes complicated topic any aspiring adoptive parent should know a little bit about.

Each year, about 135,000 children are adopted in the United States. A significant portion of these have some form of special need. Special needs can arise for many different reasons not limited to disability. Whatever the case, special needs children often require exceptional care, and that can be costly.

You may have prepared for this moment for months or even years. But getting the call that it’s time to pick up your newborn can still come as a surprise. You may have only a few hours of notice before you need to get moving. Even if the drive is short, it can feel like the most important trip of your life!

If you are pursuing adoption, you might already have heard about ICPC. If not, this will become a part of your adoption journey if you find yourself adopting a child who currently resides in a different state.

Recent changes in the social and legal landscape make adoption scams more likely than ever before. If you are considering adoption, it’s crucial you take the right steps to protect yourself and your family. A scam can be highly convincing, and scammers prey upon people with good intentions.

Artificial twinning is a term you may hear if you are planning to introduce a child or children into your family who are of similar age. For example adopting two children close in age at the same time born to different birth parents. Though it is controversial, all families should make their own informed decisions about artificial twinning.

During the adoption process, prospective adoptive parents will go through a variety of steps to help the state ensure they are creating a safe and supportive environment for a child. No matter whether you’re adopting as a single person or a partnered couple, these steps are very similar.

During adoption, it might seem there are times when you’re waiting weeks or months. Then, everything can fall into place quickly. For all your planning and preparation, you might still find yourself days from a new baby’s arrival with more to do!

Thinking about adoption in 2022? You’re not alone!

Wondering whether you’re ready to become an adoptive parent? The truth is, almost no one ever feels truly ready for parenthood. There will always be more involved than you can prepare for. But with the right support network, you can live, learn, and grow through the process – while raising a happy and healthy child. After helping thousands of individuals and couples adopt across Virginia, Maryland, and Washington DC, we have noticed some patterns. No one has it “all figured out,” but there are certain resources that almost always help. You don’t need all of them, but as long as you have a few on your side, you will have plenty of emotional resilience to get you through the twists and turns of parenthood. There are challenging times, but they are more than worth it! Let’s take a closer look at the best resources for adoptive parents: Couples: Clear, Effective Communication Before you embark on your adoption journey, always make sure you and your partner are on the same page about your goals. Your ability to communicate openly and honestly about tough subjects will help carry you through times when you need to make far-reaching decisions about your child’s well-being. Everyone: A Therapist It’s a wise idea to have a firm handle on mental health as you dive into the challenges of parenthood. The more secure and balanced you feel, the easier it will be to impart the safety and unconditional love that children thrive on. This lays the foundation for their happy and healthy future. A Doctor You Trust No one will tell you to go get a checkup before you adopt, but it can give you peace of mind to be current on all of your health concerns. A primary care physician you can rely on is one of the most important allies you can have, especially if adopting an infant – sleep may be scarce in early years! A Care Team Your doctor isn’t the only member of your care team. Look closely at your needs and make sure you have local experts you trust to meet them. Depending on you, this might include professionals such as a chiropractor or fitness coach. A Local Adoptive Parent Group Adoptive parent groups are highly supportive and encouraging. You will be able to meet people from all walks of life who understand the journey you are on and want to see you succeed. This can help you to expand your social circle, which may seem to dwindle when new parent responsibilities come into play. Friends and Family Members You Can Count On It doesn’t matter whether you are thinking of your biological family or your family of choice – take stock and understand who you’re most comfortable relying on. Look at different situations (from running up to the store to babysitting) and determine who you feel can be there for you. Adoptive Parent Resources in Your City and State Many adoptive parents don’t realize that there are state and local programs that can help them meet their new needs and adjust to parenthood. These programs may offer reduced cost access to things like parenting classes and childhood necessities, among others. Take a look at what’s in your area! An Adoption Attorney The process of adoption has some standards that are consistent throughout the United States. While there are no real “surprises,” there can be stressful moments, waiting, and plenty of legal filings. Your adoption attorney is with you every step of the way and can also connect you with resources for parenting. Contact us at Jennifer Fairfax to learn more or get started.