Question of the day..... What is the first step in adopting a child?

We get many phone calls from adoptive families asking what is the first step we need to take to get started in the adoption process.

Well, whether you are doing a private or an agency adoption you will need to be approved before you can do an adoption.  In order to be approved you will need to have a home study completed by a licensed child placement agency in the state where you live.

While there are certain things that are always required to complete a home study, such as child abuse clearances and criminal record checks, every agency has their own paperwork, and may have different training requirements.   So, once you select an agency you will need to contact them about what they will require to complete your home study.