When considering adoptive families for your child, it's essential to ask thoughtful questions that will help you make an informed and confident decision. Here’s a list of questions to help you navigate this important decision.

Reasons for Adoption

• Why do you want to adopt?
• Are you unable to have children?
• How and when will you introduce the topic of adoption to your child?

Background 

• What is your ethnicity and cultural background?
• How old are you, and what is your educational background?
• What was your childhood like?
• Are you financially stable?
• What is your financial plan for the future?
• Describe one of the best days in your life. 
• Describe one of the worst days in your life.

Education

• What are your views on private, public, and homeschooling education?
• How do you plan to support your child's education, including college?
• What role will you play in your child's homework and academic life?
• What is your education background?

Marriage & Relationships

• If you're married:
  • how long have you been married? 
  • How do you resolve conflicts in your marriage?
  • What are your views on divorce?
  • Have you ever been divorced?
  • What qualities do you appreciate most in your partner?
• Are your parents married?
• If you're not married, why do you want to be a single parent?

Faith & Values

• Are you a person of faith?
• If so, what role does faith play in your life? Do you intend to impart that faith to your child?

Work & Financial Stability

• What do you do for work?
• How do you achieve a work/life balance?
• Who will care for your child when you are working?
• Have you ever filed for bankruptcy?

Extended Family & Community

• Describe your relationships with extended family.
• What role will they play in your child's life?
• Is your extended family supportive of your desire to adopt?
• In what ways are you involved in your community? 

Lifestyle & Interests

• What are your hobbies and interests? How do you plan to share these with your children?
• What family traditions do you have or hope to create?
• Describe your ideal weekend at home.

Parenting Perspectives

• Why do you want to be a parent?
• What are some of the things you hope to impart to your child?
• How do you plan to support your child emotionally?

Health & Wellness

• How do you prioritize nutrition and physical activity in your life?
• Have you suffered from any serious physical illnesses in the past?
• Have you ever been diagnosed with a mental health condition?

Open Adoption & Post-Placement Contact

• What is your perspective on open adoption?
• What kind of contact do you hope to have with your child's birth family?
• Do you believe open adoption is best for a child? If so, why?  

Remember, it's essential that you feel comfortable with the adoptive family you choose. Don't hesitate to ask questions about things that are important to you. 

An ethical adoption professional should encourage you to take the time you need to find a family similar to and with whom you feel comfortable.