When our family started thinking about international adoption, we were very naive in our thinking. We prepared our home, completed a home study, created a dossier and we began waiting for the next steps for our son to join our family. We thought that we were prepared. We were so very thankful when our son joined our family in 2004 and again when we welcomed our daughter in 2008. Our kids are amazing children. Each one of them is uniquely gifted and a true blessing. However, if we could go back to that time in our lives, we would have educated ourselves more about the road ahead. 

As an Adoption Social Worker with Agape, I get to help prepare families for the road ahead and walk beside them as they parent.

If you are a family who is considering adoption, in the adoption process, or has adopted, I hope you find the following suggestions helpful as you dive into parenting. During your home study you will get a very detailed list and tons of education. This is just a starting point for your journey. Here are a few of my personal favorite resources and suggestions that I have highlighted here from our adoption education that you will receive at Agape.

Book suggestions for Adoption Readiness:

•       The Connected Child by Karyn Purvis and David Cross

•       20 Things Adopted Kids Wish their Adoptive Parents Knew by Sherrie Eldridge

•       The 5 Love Languages of Children by Gary Chapman and Ross Campbell

•       Adoption Parenting: Creating a Toolbox, Building Connections by Jean MacLeod and Sheena Macrae

•       Attaching in Adoption by Deborah Gray

Research You Can Do to Prepare for Adoption:

•        Diversity in your neighborhood, church and community

•        Educational services provided by your school system

•        Adoption Competent Medical Professionals and/or Local International Adoption Clinic

•        Counseling and Therapeutic Services offered in your area and insurance coverage

•        Interview 3 adoptive families that are similar to your adoption. Ask them about their experiences both positive and negative

Remember, if we could go back to that time in our lives, we would have educated ourselves more about the road ahead. I hope you find these suggestions helpful as you travel through your adoption journey. 

Written by Amy Dummier, Agape Adoption Social Worker

Amy began her personal adoption journey in 2004 and professional adoption career in 2005. Since that time she has worked for various adoption agencies. Amy is thankful for her time with adoptive families and helping prepare them for transitioning children into their homes. Adoption has changed her for the better and she is so thankful for the time spent both with the families she works with on a daily basis and her own children.