Friday, September 26, 2008

Congratulations Scott and Caroline




Scott and Caroline started with CAC in . They finished their homestudy in mid-June and were matched mid-August. Their son was born September 25th!

If you would like more information about our services, please contact me at tracie@christianadoptionconsultants.com

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Because You Asked: What is a Profile?

A Family Profile is a creative way to tell a birth mother about your family, your thoughts on adoption, and your plans for the future. Over the years we’ve noticed that certain profiles stand out from the rest and are more appealing to birth moms than others. We get a lot of agency feedback on our profiles, and many times it is the profile presentation and design that attract the birth mom to our couples.

It is important that a profile be creatively and professionally done. The presentation of a profile to a birth mom is your first, and sometimes only, opportunity to introduce yourselves, and it is so important to put your best foot forward.

Creating the Family Profile is one of the services we offer, whether you are using our consulting services or not. We have learned over the years how to help couples communicate their thoughts to a birth mom in a warm and comforting way.

If you are interested in learning more about our services, please contact me at tracie@christianadoptionconsultants.com

Here are a few sample pages from one of the profiles that I have designed.




Monday, September 22, 2008

I Love It When I Get To Do This



It's especially nice when one of my couples brings a baby home to KC.
I LOVE IT when I get to snuggle one of the precious bundles I get to help bring to their forever family!
Congratulations once again, Steven and Kristi, she's a doll!

Because You Asked: What is a Home Study?

Each adoptive family is required to complete an adoption home study. This process is usually a 4-6 week period in which a licensed social worker is assigned to meet with the prospective family to determine their readiness to become adoptive parents. This can be an intimidating and stressful experience. You will need to find a licensed agency or licensed social worker in your area who does home studies. Our goal is to relieve some of the anxiety by connecting clients with a social worker or home study agency that meets their needs in regards to individual situations.

The home study usually consists of the following: A meeting with the husband and wife together, a meeting with the husband and the wife individually, and a visit to the prospective adoptive parent’s home.

Be prepared to discuss:
• Reason for infertility/reason for adoption
• Childhood experiences (how you were disciplined, relationship with siblings, etc)
• Current marriage, previous marriage(s) and reason for divorce (if applicable)
• How you discipline or plan to discipline your children
• How you solve conflict in your home
• Extended family's attitude towards adoption
• Trans-racial adoption (if you are open to other ethnic groups)

Typical Paperwork:
(most social workers/home study agencies require the following)

Marriage license and divorce decrees (if applicable)
Birth certificates
Copy of Drivers License
Recent pay stubs and Employment Verification
Proof of health insurance will be required (They will most likely want a copy of the card)
Physical examinations for all individuals over the age of 18 (You will need to obtain the form from the social worker before going to the doctor)
Tax forms for the previous year
Immunization records and letter of good health from pediatrician for children residing in the home
Immunization records for any family pets
3-4 reference letters from non-family members that you have known for at least one year (The letters need to state why they think that you will be a good candidate for adoption. They should also provide their phone numbers, and will most likely be contacted for a short telephone interview)
State criminal record check for anyone over the age of 18 living in the home (You can go to the police department and tell them that you need a criminal record check for the purpose of adoption)
Fingerprint cards (State and some times Federal fingerprint checks are required)
Fire Arm Statement (if you have fire arms they are properly stored and locked for safety)
Swimming Pool Statement (if you have a pool, proper safety precautions have been taken)
Reference letters from the prospective adoptive grandparents are usually needed (The letters need to state how they feel about having an adoptive grandchild, and how they plan to treat the child)
If you have a septic tank, they will require that you have it inspected

Paperwork is the most time consuming part of the home study process. By collecting your paperwork before your first visit, you will be able to speed up the process. This will be helpful if a placement is found for you in a short time frame.


If you have a concern about the home study process, please let us know. We will be happy to advise you and put your mind at ease prior to the home study process. The main thing to remember is to be completely honest during the entire home study process. It is better to have everything out in the open, rather than for them to discover that you have not been truthful.

Sunday, September 21, 2008

Birth Mothers: Story 1

There are many misconceptions about birth mothers out there, and I wanted to share a few of my own experiences with birth mom's who are facing the decision to choose adoption for their children from time to time.

Here is one that I was just made aware of yesterday:


One of my couples was matched with a birth mom this weekend. Without sharing too much information, her circumstances did not allow her to raise this child. She considered an abortion, but could not go through with it.

She wanted to know if this family had a problem with fact that the baby would be African American, to which they shared their hearts with her on this issue and told her that they would love the child as their own regardless of the color of his/her skin. She wanted to know what they would tell the child about her. They reassured her that they would speak about her in a positive way and share with the child that she made a loving decision on their behalf in choosing to give LIFE.

She said that when she saw their profile, she knew that they were the ones. She said that she chose them because they looked like they had fun together, had the values she was looking for, and were a Christian family. She asked if they would give the child a Biblical name. They were able to share with her that all of their children had Biblical names and this child would be given one as well.

This birth mom is not due for several weeks, but I look forward to the day I can share pictures of this precious life and the wonderful family that said YES.

I hope this story does a few things for you:
1. I hope it breaks the myth that birth mom's don't care. They typically care and care very deeply about the choice they are making.
2. I hope this reminds us all to pray for LIFE. This woman was facing an abortion and "couldn't go through with it". I believe that this is one of many lives that was saved as the result of prayer! Maybe it was YOU that was praying that day she faced that decision and chose life.
3. I hope this story inspires you to put your YES on the line and consider adopting one of the many African American children who need godly, Christian homes.

For more information about adoption feel free to email me at tracie@christianadoptionconsultants.com

Friday, September 19, 2008

Congratulations Randy and Kelsey


My dear friends Randy and Kelsey just got their home study done, I finished their profile, and got them headed in the right direction with agency applications, and WHAAA LA, God had other plans!

In a swirl of activity and lots of unexpected events they have just welcomed two beautiful baby girls into their family! You can follow their BLOG for details! This is an extra special day for me, because I am an "auntie!"

If you want to understand the true spirit of adoption, don't look any further than the hearts of this couple! They heard there was a need, said yes, and got on a plane. They gave no consideration to the social/medical history of these little ones, didn't even ask their race, didn't worry that the bank account didn't match the anticipated costs, but just said YES! In fact, they didn't find out the race of their beautiful Asian/CC beauties until arrived at their destination.

There are babies TODAY that need homes! Babies today that need families to yes regardless of race, regardless of medical issues, and regardless of the sacrifice of finances.

If you have a yes in your heart please contact me to talk about how you can welcome a child in need of a loving family into your home!

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Congratulations Steven and Kristi


Steven and Kristi began their adoption journey in mid-February. They finished their home study on April 1st and were matched June 2nd! Their beautiful daughter was born on September 11th.
The happy news is I get to visit this new little family this weekend, and I'll have more photos to post I'm sure! Steven and Kristi are friends of ours and it has been an honor to work as their adoption consultant.

Tuesday, September 9, 2008

Malcolm and Amy's Blog

Amy and Malcolm have a few new articles on the Christian Adoption Consultants blog. It's worth stopping over to read them! Great information!