In other words, we work with singles, couples, people of all ages, sizes, income levels, ethnicities and religions, people who own their homes, people who rent their homes, people who have been divorced, people who haven't been divorced, people who already have kids, people who don't already have kids . . . Whew, have we forgotten anybody?

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Who are the children who need families?

HOPE has found families for children from 53 different countries (including the United States). These children are boys and girls ranging in age from one day to 18 years who are healthy, who have special needs, who are of many different ethnic backgrounds, who come singly or as a part of a large sibling group. Whether you decide to adopt an infant, a waiting child, internationally or from the U.S., the choice is up to you.

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How much does it cost to adopt?

The costs of an adoption can range anywhere from zero (for the Minnesota Public Private Adoption Initiative PPAI Waiting Children Program) to upwards of $25,000 for some international adoption programs.

HOPE's fee for the adoption study is on a sliding scale based on income, and ranges from $1,700 to $3,400. Additionally, there is an adoption processing fee of $1,200 and a flat fee of $750 for coordination and support (post placement) services.

Most international child-finding programs charge fees of $10,000-25,000.

For those who adopt a child whose birth parents work with HOPE, the adopting parents pay for the costs of the birth parent services, starting with registration fee of $3,000 and a program fee of $7,500 when chosen by a birth parent.

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How long does it take to adopt?

An adoption study completed by HOPE averages about five months. We’ve had people complete their study in as little as a month or two, but most families don’t want to move that fast. Several variables exist, including how quickly you're able to complete paperwork, how flexible you're able to be in regard of interview times, and even how fast your friends and relatives can write reference letters!

From the time an adoption study is completed until a child is in the family varies, but on average it is approximately eight months.

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How involved can I be in choosing a family to adopt my baby?

You can be as involved as you wish to be. As a birth parent planning adoption, you're entitled to participate fully in selecting a family to adopt your child. You may choose from several family profiles provided to you by your social worker, or you may connect with someone outside the agency that you know through work, church, your family or elsewhere. You can choose to let HOPE decide on a family, or you can have a meeting – or several meetings – with prospective adoptive parents. The choices are up to you.

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How well do adopted kids fare?

Extremely well. Studies have shown that kids who were adopted have self esteem and a sense of identity and purpose just as high as, if not higher than, those who were born into their families. Adopted kids are "just kids." Birth parents who place their children for adoption are making a selfless, courageous choice. Adoptive parents who raise them are, without a doubt, "real" parents raising children "of their own." Adoption works - just ask any of the millions whose lives have been touched by adoption.

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How can I get to know others who are adopting through HOPE?
A great way to meet others who are in the process of adopting – or who have already adopted through us – is by joining our Yahoo discussion group at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/hopeadoptionservices/. This group is only for HOPE clients and is a safe place to ask questions, share concerns, learn more about adoption and build community with fellow adopters.

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