36 | OutBoise Magazine | NEWS
OutBoise.com | Issue 6.2 | April 2015
How To: Adopt a Child
by Jessy Forsmo- Shadid
There are many ways that a person can start a
family of their own. Choosing which way to make
that family on the other hand is the harder part.
Here are some tips on how to adopt a child of
your own.
1. e sure and be excited.
B
The amount of time and effort it takes to adopt
a child is going to challenge you anyway. Make
sure that you are absolutely ready for a little
person to join your life and be the center of your
attention.
2. ook at adoption agencies in your county
L
Whether it is known or not, there are children
close to you that are in need of families. Check
out different agencies near you to help out a child
in need of love, care, and a family.
3. heck up on the foster care system
C
There are many different foster care systems in
America. According to childrensrights.org, in the
year of 2013, 640,000 children had entered into the
foster care system here in the U.S. If you are wanting to adopt a child, this a great opportunity for
both you and the foster child. They will finally have
their forever family; something that many children
pray for.
4. ook at all the options
L
You don’t have to adopt a newborn. Sometimes
that just isn’t the best fit and that is okay. You can
get just as much joy and happiness by adopting
an older child. You can teach the same life lessons
and still call them your own. Make sure you adopt
someone who is a great fit for you.
5. e ready to face challenges
B
Being a parent in general is an extremely hard
job. But know that this child that you are adopting might go through both physical, mental, and
other health challenges. This could leave a parent
feeling hopeless. Know that you are not alone and
look into a community of people who might be
going through similar challenges that you yourself
are going through.
6. now that no parent is perfect.
K
Children are resilient. Yes, you would have
responsibility this new person but they might be
stronger than you think. Showing love, care and
interest is what a child needs the most. Be there
and present. The child may not always thank you
right away, but someday, they just might.
I was put into foster care at the age of 4 and
lived in Escondido, California. I was 7 years old
when I found out that a lesbian couple in small
town Kuna, Idaho wanted to make me and my
siblings their family. What a blessing it turned out to
be.
So if you are thinking about adopting a child,
be sure and be ready for an adventure. There
are going to be good times and hard times, but
you could change a child’s life with your love and
care.