Author: Annecy Ashburn
* Who is eligible to adopt?
If you are fully committed to the decision to adopt, then you already have the most essential factor to gaining custody of a child. Moreover, if you can provide for the basic needs of a child as well as give him a nurturing environment then you may adopt. Here are some factors that will help you know who is qualified to adopt:

- Single individuals who are 21 years old and above
- Married couples who are childless or who have other children
- The emotional and physical well-being of potential adoptive parents is also taken into consideration

* I am single, can I adopt?

Yes. Even though you are single you have the option to adopt if you wish, given that you are 21 years old and above.

Commitment is the essential factor that most agencies are looking for in adoptive parents. A caring environment is necessary to ensure that the adopted child will grow into a productive adult.

* Is a special needs adoption the right choice for me?

If you are the type of person who is patient, has ample time to give the needs of a special child as well as shower him with the love he needs, then adopting a child with special needs may be for you. Emotional stability is needed to hurdle the many trials you will face with the decision to adopt a child with special needs.

Additionally, being financially and physically strong can be helpful in overcoming the challenge of being an adoptive parent to a child with special needs.

* Should I do international or domestic adoption?

There are numerous factors for you to consider before jumping into the decision to choose either international or domestic adoption. Such factors are:

- Travel. Once you decide to adopt internationally, you are required to personally pick up the child from his or her country. Normally you are required to stay for a week. There are times that the length of stay for adoptive parents can be up to three weeks.

On the other hand, adopting a child within your state will not require you extensive and intercontinental travels.

- Expenses. Surveys show that international adoption is the most expensive type of adoption since there are many documents to prepare as well as fees to pay. On the other hand, opting for a domestic adoption is not as costly as international adoption. There are times when domestic adoption can be free of charge. Each case is individual.

- Adoption Training. It is recommended for domestic adoption to attend trainings and seminars before gaining custody of a child. While international adoptions do not normally have required training.

* What are some legal issues in adoption?

Legal issues in adoption differ from one state to another or from one country to another. It also depends on the type of adoption from which you will be choosing. Hence, if you plan to adopt, it is recommended that you research and be familiar with the existing laws and regulations on adoption in your area.

* How can the Internet help me in adopting a child?

The Internet is a good venue for you to adopt a child. Most adoption websites will help you get through the adoption process. Here are some common factors you may encounter via the Internet when adopting a child:

- Initial process of adopting a child - the things you need to know to start the process
- Information on the selection process and post-adoption process
- Wide selections of adoption institutions
- Support groups
- Photos of children waiting to be adopted

Author: Karl Hinsworth
For many people, adoption is a wonderful way to have a child and start a family. Although not an easy decision for the birth mother or the adoptive parents, with the assistance of a reputable adoption agency and facilitator, good matches can be made and the adoption process successful and with little stress. In addition to agencies, adoptive parents can also find children independently through local newspaper advertisements or on the internet through various registry services.

Take the online option for example. With this, if you were interested in adopting, you would have the possibility of viewing profiles to include in-depth details about both birth mother, possibly birth father, and the baby if born, along with photographs. However, this type of service also benefits the birth mother and/or father in that they too can view potential parents for the baby. Once a connection is made, initial communication would take place via email, phone, or letters, allowing each party to share information or ask questions.

If the two parties believe there is a potential match, a meeting would be scheduled to meet in person. The thing to remember is that most adoption processes, even those done independently go very well. Unfortunately, as with many things, there is a slight risk, especially when using the internet to look for a baby in which a woman may pretend to be pregnant just to get the money. You see, many adoptions for pregnant women will involve her living expenses being paid until the baby is born, on top of a large fee that generally starts around $10,000.

Keep in mind that if you are interested in adopting, use good, common sense. In other words, pay attention to things said, follow up on information provided, and if at any time your gut instinct says something is not quite right, listen. In fact, even if you choose an independent adoption, we still strongly recommend you have an adoption attorney to assist. In this case, the attorney would be responsible for doing some research, drawing up legal papers, handling the money, and so on.

Two of the most common signs associated with adoption fraud are pressure and guilt from the birth mother and/or father. In other words, if you start being pressured for more money, or the birth mother/father begins to put a guilt trip on you for money, food, clothing, and other items beyond the agreement, you should take this as a red flag. Additionally, the birth mother should always be willing to release medical information to you and answer any questions you might have. If this information is held back, you should wonder why.

Other warning signs would include the birth mother/father living in motels or being transients, the mother refusing to accept medical care, and a birth mother/father not providing you with a phone number and address where she/he can be reached. Again, most adoption processes go smoothly, connecting a birth mother with adoptive parents who will love and cherish the child. However, the more you can learn about the adoption process and meet with other parents in your same situation the more empowered you become to ensure you do not become involved with fraud,as well as a broken heart.