When I express my interest in one day adopting a child, I’m usually faced with many incredulous looks. Sometimes, people wrinkle their noses, and say, “Why? Don’t you want YOUR OWN kid?” Other people think it’s a fine idea, but usually gasp and say, “But it’s so EXPENSIVE!” Okay. 1. If I do decide to adopt, rather than birth a child- it makes no difference. He or she will still be MY OWN child. And 2. Deciding to have children is an expensive choice no matter what. However, yes, adoption fees can be insanely high, and the entire process is a ton of work- it can take years, and requires an endless amount of paperwork, character investigations, and home studies before you are even considered. If you are adopting outside your own country, the process can be even more harrowing. But, in the end, it’s all worth it. Ask any new mother who has just given birth and she will tell you the same- the pain, no matter how bad, was worth it. Adoptive parents just go through a different kind of struggle. There is good news, though! There are plenty of grants out there for adoptive parents that can help with the cost. Check out this post by Natalie at Little Things, Big Stuff for grant application tips:
Ask what grants other families have received. We asked families who are similar to us (the same religion, living in your state, adopting from the same country, etc.). We thought about the categories we fit into and applied for specific grants.
Create a spreadsheet with details of the grants to simplify the process
Get a core of five good references
Include a cover letter, even if it doesn’t ask for one. We kept it short, but included fun details of our story that make us unique.