Adoption ABC's: Frequently Asked Questions

It is only natural that you have questions about adoption. There are many things to consider. Below are some of the more frequently asked questions we hear. If you have others you may want to consider attending one of our frequent Adoption Information meetings or calling the agency to speak with one of our staff.

Q: Am I too old to adopt?

A: Probably not. While there are age parameters for prospective parents for some of our programs, we have a number of program options that are very flexible.

Q: I want to adopt an infant as young as possible. Is this possible?

A: Most babies coming from other countries are at least five months old because of the time needed to complete legal requirements in that country. Some children may be slightly older. However, newborns can be adopted through our domestic programs. (Keep in mind that at WHFC an infant is considered to be any child under the age of 12 months at the time of referral.)

Q: I live in a state outside of your office areas. Can I work with you?

A: We work with families throughout the US. For families who live outside of the seven states where we have offices, (MA, CT, RI, NY, NH, NJ, VT) we work with you in a different way. Your home study and post placement requirements are handled by a local licensed agency with experience in international adoption. WHFC is able to work with you to match you with a child and provide all services necessary to ensure the entire placement portion of the adoption process runs smoothly. If you have questions about selecting an agency for the home study portion of the process, please call a member of our Placement Services team at 781-894-5330.

Q: We have biological children - must I be infertile?

A: No. We have many families with biological children who wish to continue to build their family through adoption. This is not unusual. Some countries may have an infertility requirement but certainly this is the minority. Other programs may have certain restrictions on the number or gender of children already in the home.

Q: Why is the process so expensive?

A: Adoption is a complex process which typically extends over many months and includes a number of requirements. Meeting the necessary requirements involves the work of many professionals, both here and overseas.

As well, the program fees not only cover the cost of caring for your child while in orphanage care, it also contributes to the cost of caring for many other children who will never be adopted.

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