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Expert Q&A

	By Mardie Caldwell Adoption Expert, Author

We are just beginning our adoption journey. The one thing that we can't quite get past is which is better, to adopt domestically from the United States or to adopt internationally? Are there advantages to one over the other? We keep hearing that internationally is the best way to obtain an infant, but that doesn't really matter to us."

There are many compelling reasons to adopt both internationally and domestically. You have touched upon the myth that there are very few infants in the United States to adopt, when in fact many infant adoptions are finalized successfully each month. The key is to find a good adoption professional with experience in infant and newborn adoptions. It may take awhile, but do some fact-finding, and interview the adoption professionals you are considering both internationally and domestically. You will also want to speak to other parents that have adopted infants in the last five years and find out what made their adoptions successful. These families are found at support groups and adoption forums online.

You will want to look at your budget and determine what you can comfortably afford to put toward your adoption, and if needed, plan on doing some fund raising for the remainder. Traditionally, international adoptions are more expensive since they include travel to another country and time off of work.

I have seen both types of adoptions work out well. Your first step is to do your fact-finding and research into adoption, and soon you will find the path you are to take to build your family. You can listen to interviews with adoptive parents and professionals in both international and domestic adoptions at my radio site.

Don't rush into an adoption. Learn all you can. This will save you time and money and will give you confidence in your decision. I wish you the best."

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