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Adoption laws and polices vary by US state, and internationally by country or region, requiring different eligibility requirements and waiting periods, age requirements, or marital status.

Pre-requirements for adopting may typically include examination of financial records and medical history, and a criminal background check, along with home inspection by a local agency.

In the U.S., an adoption study course is also mandated.

Although international adoption costs can be quite high - ranging anywhere from $20,000 to $70,000 or higher - countries that have well-established rules and procedures (like China, Russia, and Guatemala) are top favorites for couples or singles looking to adopt.

The general overview of adoption practices worldwide shows most adoptive parents look for children of the same race, more often infants (as opposed to toddlers or teens), and without special needs or emotional attachments.

Today, state-run programs are helping to offset the financial burden of raising special needs children, including monetary stipends available to offset medical and educational requirements until speical needs adoptees reach adulthood.

Recent high-profile adoptions of African children by Hollywood celebrities, for instance, may also help eliminate the social stigma to include infants and children of all races being afforded a life-changing opportunity at adoption.

More about adopting a child around the Web:

Adoptions: Where Do I Start? - A mega-portal of information on the topic including a searchable database of U.S. state adoption laws & statutes, an online adoption home study course, fact sheets on single parent adoptions, adoptions of stepchildren, child care advice, and related resources, from the Child Welfare Information Gateway.

How Do I Apply to Bring a Foreign-Born Orphan to the United States? - The complete guide for U.S. citizens including laws & requirements, how to apply, related phone numbers and other contact information, FAQ.

Adoption Services, Adoption Agencies and Adoption Laws - Another excellent first stop for anyone considering adoption with a broad overview of information on costs, requirements, eligibility, U.S. and international adoptions, special needs adoptions, a helpful guide to selecting an adoption agency, with related resources.

Adoptive Families Magazine - Online home to the print publication with the latest adoption news and feature stories, guides to international and domestic U.S. adoptions, including typical laws & regulations, qualifications, costs and waiting times.

MedlinePlus: Adoption - Related resources pertaining to child care and the physical and emotional needs of adopted children & teens, financial issues, adoption law & policy, related statistics.

Adoption Forums - Busy message boards with discussions on U.S. and international adoption issues, step parent adoptions, special needs children, foster care, adoption search and reunion, and related topics.

The information provided on these pages is intended as reference
only and does not constitute professional legal advice.

also see -> Kids' Health | Child Development

Family Medical Leave Act