Adoption is not a subject to be taken lightly and is not something to enter into unprepared. This commitment will change your life, the lives of your family as well as the life of the adopted child. Hence, you must be very sure that adoption is the best option for you before proceeding further. Once an adoption order is issued, there is no turning back. The child will be yours legally. You have to care and provide for the child as if he/she were your biological child.

Questions to Ask Myself

•  Am I ready to be a parent? (Remember that it is a 24/7 job.)
•  Why do I want to adopt?
•  Are there any other alternatives?
•  How would my relatives and friends feel about the adoption? Are they supportive?
•  How would my other children (if any) feel about an adopted brother/sister?
•  How would the adoption affect or change my lifestyle? Am I ready for these changes?
•  Do I have enough resources (money, time, emotional and physical energy) to provide for the child?
•  Do I feel that I can love someone else's child as my own?
•  Am I confident in dealing with my adopted child's questions regarding his or her adoption?
•  Do I plan disclose to my adopted child that he or she was adopted?

Questions about the Child

•  Is the social background of the child important?
•  What are the special needs of the child?
•  Will I be able to accept a child who has some social or medical problems?
•  Do I want the child to be medically examined?