The waiting period for adopting a domestic newborn can vary from less than one month to over two years. According to Adoptive Families Magazine’s article, How Long Does it Take to Adopt a Child?, 33% of domestic newborn adoptions having waiting periods of less than three months. Less than 10% of families had to wait more than two years to be matched with a child.
Why the large discrepancy?
One reader commented that their openness to any gender and race helped them be matched quickly. If you’re considering a transracial adoption, I encourage you to read our blogs, Pursuing Domestic Transracial Adoption, Part I & Part II.
While a short waiting period seems ideal, there can be benefits to not rushing in too quickly. One reader commented thankfully on their almost two year waiting period:
“We waited almost two years. The agency had an in-depth educational process which broadened our understanding of adoption and open adoption. They had many services available to us while we waited. I can’t imagine not having that support and education.”
I concur with the last reader’s comment. I felt like the agency we adopted through took great pains to help us prepare for the worst-case-scenario … and I just don’t think that can happen in a few weeks.
Photo by kittyxkat.
