How Do I Choose the Family That Will Adopt My Baby?

After deciding that adoption is the best choice for you and your baby, your next big decision is selecting the potential adoptive couple. Many potential adoptive families are waiting to be matched with you. So, how do you choose one? 

It’s essential to understand how potential adoptive couples become qualified and to narrow down what matters most to you, based on the future you envision for your child. Let’s take a look at the qualifications a couple must meet if they want to adopt through Antioch Adoptions and how you can select the right couple for you and your baby.

How Are Adoptive Couples Approved to Adopt?

It isn’t easy to become qualified for adoption. States require very specific information, and so does Antioch Adoptions.

Most states have similar requirements to adopt:

• Complete a Home Study to determine if their home is prepared to receive a baby.
• Provide medical records, financial information, referrals, proof of employment, etc.
• Complete a family profile book or bio, including photos or a video, and information about each family member.
• Submit criminal background checks, particularly for child abuse.

Antioch Adoptions also requires the following:

• Attend our introduction class to determine if Antioch Adoptions is the right fit.
• Have a pre-screening interview asking about their motivation to adopt, family history, marriage, etc.
• Have a strong Christian faith and a healthy, strong marriage.
• A pastoral interview
• Have the desire to raise godly children.
• Be open to the entire adoption process.
• Have the willingness to love their adopted child and help them grow.

Selecting Your Adoptive Family

Every adoptive family is unique. You know how you would raise your child if you could. Don’t settle for less than what you want. Make a list of the “gotta haves,” the things that are most important to you. 

Choosing the right adoptive couple is challenging. You want what’s best for your baby, but it has to be right for you, too.

As you look at detailed profiles of prospective couples, you’ll learn about their parenting styles, values, hobbies, lifestyle, and more. If you have specific criteria, don’t be afraid to list them. This is your child’s future, and you need to have peace knowing you gave them the right family. 

 Here are some questions to consider:

• Do they share your same values regarding discipline, education, religion, and lifestyle?
• Do they want the same post-adoption contact that you want if you choose an open or semi-open adoption?
• Is their location important? Do you want them to live nearby, in a large city, or on a farm?
• Does it matter that they already have other children? Do you want your child to be the firstborn? 
• What is their extended family like?
• How will they teach their child about adoption and their birth family?
• What do they enjoy doing in everyday life? Do they have pets? Hobbies?

Whatever is essential to you should be important to them. Sometimes, something as simple as their favorite food or music can tie you together. Make sure they feel like the kind of people you can trust with something as sacred as your child’s future.

Talk With Antioch Adoptions

The compassionate staff at both Antioch Adoptions locations is ready to assist you with adoption information and a list of prospective adoptive couples. If you’d like, you can search our current couples waiting to adopt.

For over 25 years, Antioch Adoptions has stood firm in traditional Biblical principles through decades of dedicated service. We understand the challenging issues that come with adoption. Let’s talk about your hopes and dreams for your child to see if adoption is right for you. 

Schedule an appointment or call us at (425) 529-3943. There is a bright future ahead.