Adoption is a complicated and unique situation. There isn’t a “one size fits all” for how becoming a parent or making an adoption plan will be and because of this, anything and everything can happen. I know personally, that without a support system, my husband and I needed all the support we could get. No matter if you’re a birth parent or are hoping to adopt, you’ll need your own village.
Create a New Community
Whether you are seeking to adopt or have questions about creating an adoption plan for your child, it’s a good idea to reach out to a licensed adoption agency or social worker. You can get support from adoption professionals, and, in many cases they can point you in the direction of groups of people also in your position. This is so important because you may have friends and family who want to support you, but not everyone can understand what you’re going through unless they’re going through it (or have gone through it) themselves.
Community Can Give You Advice
You’re going to have a lot of decisions to make in this process and sometimes, it’s nice to have people to talk to about your plans. It’s important not to let people sway your decision, so stick to friends and family that have your best interests in mind. However, it’s nice to have a sounding board when you’re trying to make decisions that are this important.
You May Need Resources
When going through something that is life altering and difficult, you may need resources to find therapists, social workers, and others in your community that can be of support to you throughout your journey. Many people in your life may have connections that they’re able to share. If you need other resources as well, your circle may be able to help. There are people out there in your corner who want to support you, but may not know how until you ask.
The Power of Social Media
As an adoptive parent, I can tell you that the online community is often very powerful. I met adult adoptees who could help me navigate transracial adoption and I met many people in the adoption community this way–most of us have met up in person and continue to support each other. This is also a good way to find agencies, read reviews, etc. Of course, we all know social media has its downfalls, so make sure you’re entering reputable groups and be careful about statuses you might share to get information.
Like any major life event, adoption is one where you will want to have people to help you find resources that you may need, meet people who can help you along the way, and provide the support that you will need as you navigate this process.