Famous People Affected by Adoption

To go along with our blog on celebrities and adoption, here is a lot of famous people who were adopted, have adopted, or made the loving choice to place a child for adoption. It’s so interesting to see who these adopted children became and the lives that are lived by all after making such a decision. Enjoy!

FAMOUS BIRTH PARENTS

Roseanne Barr (actress)
David Crosby (musician)
Faith Ireland (state judge)
Andy Kaufman (comedian)
Jackie "Moms" Mabley (comedienne)    Tug McGraw (professional baseball)
Joni Mitchell (singer)
Kate Mulgrew (actress)
Mercedes Ruehl (actress)
Jack Wagner (actor)      
       
FAMOUS ADOPTED CHILDREN

Kate Adie (journalist)
Edward Albee (playwright)
Maya Angelou (poet and author)
John J. Audubon (naturalist)
Michael Bay (director)
Tallulah Bankhead (actress)
Layne Beachley (surfer)
Lynda Bellingham (actress)
Ingrid Bergman (actress)
Andy Berlin (co-founder of ad agency Berlin Camerson & Partners)
James Best (actor)
Les Brown (motivational speaker)
Surya Bonaly (professional skater)
Richard Burton (actor)
Senator Robert Byrd
Augustus Caesar (emporer of Rome)
Truman Capote (author)
Harry Caray (baseball broadcaster)
Peter Carruthers (professional skater)
Kitty Carruthers (professional skater)
Kristin Chenoweth (actress)
Eric Clapton (singer)
President Bill Clinton
Lynette Cole (Miss USA 2000)
Nat King Cole (singer)
Gary Coleman (actor)
Daunte Culpepper (professional football)
Rachel Crow (X Factor contestant)
Faith Daniels (TV news personality)
Ted Danson (actor, adopted child and adoptive father)
Tommy Davidson (comedian)
Toby Dawson (professional skier)
Eric Dickerson (professional football)
Bo Diddley (musician)
Carl Theodore Dreyer (filmmaker)
Larry Ellison (co-founder and CEO of Oracle)
Clarissa Pinkola Estes (poet)
President Gerald Ford
Jamie Foxx (singer, actor)
Scott Fujita (professional football)
Tim Green (professional football)
Jonathon Gilbert (actor)
Melissa Gilbert (actress)
Newt Gingrich (politician)
Faith Hill (singer)
Scott Hamilton (professional skater)
John Hancock (U.S. Founding Father)
Debbie Harry (singer)
Reese Hoffa (Olympic shot putter)
Jesse Jackson (politician)    Steve Jobs (co-founder of Apple)
Eartha Kitt (singer, actress)
Matthew Laborteaux (actor)
Patrick Laborteaux (actor)
John Lennon (singer)
Representative Jim Lightfoot
Allan "apl.de.ap" Pineda Lindo, jr. (singer, member of Black Eyed Peas)
Art Linkletter (TV personality)
Ray Liotta (actor)
Charlotte Lopez (actress and Miss Teen USA 1993)
Greg Louganis (Olympic Gold Medal Diver)
Malcolm X (human rights activist)
Lee Majors (actor)
Nelson Mandela (human rights activist)
Nimmy March (actress)
James MacArthur (actor)
Darryl "D.M.C." McDaniels (musician)
Frances McDormand (actress)
Tim McGraw (singer)
Sarah McLachlan (singer)
James Michener (author)
Tom Monaghan (founder of Domino's Pizza, owner of Detroit Tigers)
Lucy Maud Montgomery (author)
Marilyn Monroe (actress)
Moses (biblical leader)
Mother Teresa (humanitarian)
Alonzo Mourning (professional basketball)
Dan O'Brien (Olympic gold medalist, decathalon)
Hugh O'Connor (actor)
Michael Oher (professional football, story inspired The Blind Side)
Jim Palmer (professional baseball)
Aaron Parchem (Olympic figure skater)
Lorraine Pascale (model, author and chef)
Dana Plato (actress)
Edgar Allen Poe (author)
Nicole "Snookie" Polizzi (TV personality)
Priscilla Presley (actress)
Michael Reagan (President Reagan's son)
First Lady Nancy Reagan
Nicole Richie (TV personality)
Wilson Riles (educator)
First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt
Victoria Rowell (actress)
Buffy Sainte-Marie (singer)
Paull Shin (state senator)
Dave Thomas (founder of Wendy's, children's advocate)
Leo Tolstoy (author)
Dr. Ruth Westheimer (media personality, sex therapist)
Mayor Anthony Williams (Washington, D.C. politician)
Jett Williams (singer)
       
       
FAMOUS ADOPTIVE PARENTS

Babe Ruth (professional baseball)
Brooke Adams (actress)
Gracie Allen (comedienne)
Woody Allen (director)
Kirstie Alley (actress)
Loni Anderson (actress)
Julie Andrews (actress)
Eve Arden (actress)
Rodney Atkins (singer)
Josephine Baker (actress)
Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison
Pearl Bailey (singer/actress)
John Battle (professional baseball)
Harry Belafonte (singer)
Regina Belle (singer)
Secretary of Treasury Lloyd Bentsen
Milton Berle (actor)
Larry Bird (professional basketball)
Taurean Blacque (actor)
Erma Bombeck (humorist)
May Britt (actress)
Connie Britton (actress)
Charles Bronson (actor)
Denise Scott Brown (architect)
Governor Sam Brownback
Art Buchwald (humorist)
Sandra Bullock (actress)
George Burns (comedian)
Ellen Burstyn (actress)
Kirk Cameron (actor)
Roy Campanella (professional baseball)
Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell
Kate Capshaw (actress)
Kitty Caruthers (professional skater and adopted child)
Joelle Carter (actress)
Nell Carter (actress)
Billy Casper (professional golf)
Jim Caviezel (actor)
Steven Curtis Chapman (singer)
Rt. Hon. Jean and Aline Chretien (Prime Minister of Canada)
Connie Chung (TV personality)
Joan Crawford (actress)
Sheryl Crow (singer)
Tom Cruise (actor)
Jamie Lee Curtis (actress0
Ted Danson (actor and adopted child)
Linda Darnell (actress)
Bette Davis (actress)
Kristin Davis (actress)
Sammy Davis, Jr. (entertainer)
Viola Davis (actress)
John Denver (singer)
Bill Delahunt (state senator)
Oscar de la Renta (fashion designer)
Delilah (radio personality)
John DeLorean (industrialist)
Cecil B. DeMille (director)
Joan Didion (author)
Walt Disney (creator of Disney)
Patty Duke (actress)
Faye Dunaway (actress)
John Gregory Dunne (author)
Christine Ebersole (actress)
Dale Evans (actress)
Edie Falco (actress)
Peter Falk (actor)
Mia Farrow (actress)
Joely Fisher (actress)
Calista Flockhart (actress)
Henry Fonda (actor)
Jane Fonda (actress)
Joan Fontaine (actress)
Connie Francis (singer)
Dawn French (actress)
Robert Fulghum (author)
Teri Garr (actress)
Willie Garson (actor)
Andy Griffith (actor)
Christopher Guest (screenwriter)
Lou Gossett, Jr. (actor)
Karen Grassle (actress)
Mariska Hargitay (actress)
Valerie Harper (actress)
Helen Hayes (actress)
Katherine Heigl (actress)
Senator Jesse Helms
Tony Hillerman (author)
Bob and Delores Hope (comedian/singer)
Cindy Hsu (TV personality)
Senator Gordon Humphrey
Al Hunt (journalist)
Jill Ireland (actress)    Hugh Jackman (actor)
Kate Jackson (actress)
Magic Johnson (professional basketball)
Angelina Jolie (actress)
Diane Keaton (actress)
David Kelley (TV producer)
Josh Kelley (musician)
Nicole Kidman (actress)
Jill Krementz (author)
Kris Kristofferson (singer)
Patti LaBelle (singer)
Hedy Lamarr (actress)
Michael Landon (actor)
Senator Mary Landrieu
Representative Jim Leach
Jerry Lewis (entertainer)
George Lucas (director)
Charles MacArthur (actor)
Madonna (singer)
Dan Marino (professional football)
Harpo Marx (comedian)
Willie Mays (professional baseball)
Senator John and Cindy McCain
Ewan McGregor
Ed McMahon (TV personality)
Richard King Mellon (president of Mellon Bank)
Gary Merrill (actor)
Donna Mills (actress)
Representative Connie Morella
Al Neuharth (journalist)
Paul Newman (actor)
Wayne Newton (singer)
Chelsea Noble (actress)
Representative Anne Northrup
Carroll O'Connor (actor)
Rosie O'Donnell (actress and TV personality)
Ozzy Osbourne (singer)
Sharon Osbourne (TV personality)
Marie Osmond (singer)
Mary-Louis Parker (actress)
Estelle Parsons (actress)
Michelle Pfeiffer (actress)
Brad Pitt (actor)
Representative Earl Pomeroy
Paula Poundstone (comedienne)
Maury Povich (TV personality)
Kirby Puckett (professional baseball)
Sarah Purcell (TV personality)
Sally Jessy Raphael (TV personality)
President Ronald Reagan
Burt Reynolds (actor)
Denise Richards (actress)
Lionel Richie (singer)
John G. Roberts (Supreme Court Justice)
Roy Rogers (actor)
Al Roker (TV personality)
Linda Ronstadt (singer)
Isabella Rossellini (model, actress)
Susan Ruttan (actress)
Meg Ryan (actress)
Tony Shaloub (actor)
Gail Sheehy (author)
Senator Paul Simon
Brooke Smith (actress)
Joe Spano (actor)
Steven Spielberg (director)
Ben Stein (TV personality)
Parker Stevenson (actor)
Sharon Stone (actress)
Arthur Ochs Sulzberger, Sr. (newspaper publisher)
Gloria Swanson (actress)
Elizabeth Taylor (actress)
Charlize Theron (actress)
Sean and Leigh Anne Tuohy (story inspired the film The Blind Side)
Robert Urich and Heather Mezies (actor)
Nia Vardolos (actress)
Robert Venturi (architect)
Kurt Vonnegut (author)
Jane Wallace (TV personality)
Maria Wallace (actress)
Karl Wallenda (performer)
Barbara Walters (TV personality)
DeMarcus Ware (professional football)
Jann Wenner (magazine publisher)
Dianne Wiest (actress)
JoBeth Williams (actress)
Natalie Williams (professional basketball)
Brian Wilson (musician)
Dan Wilson (professional baseball)
Alfre Woodard (actress)
Judy Woodruff (TV personality)
Jane Wyman (actress)      
       
FINAL QUOTES
 

"Time and experience have taught me a priceless lesson. Any child you take for your own becomes your own if you give of yourself to that child. I have borne two children and had seven others by adoption, and they are all my children, equally beloved and precious."
Dale Evans, Actress and Adoptive Parent
 

"Both the courage and trust of those who place their babies for adoption and the enthusiasm of those who adopt them are overwhelmingly vindicated by the tens of thousands of successful adoptions that take place in this country every year."
The New Yorker, Editorial

Adoption and Celebrities

It's great to see when celebs decide to adopt children in need and give them a better life.
 

Here is a list of celebrities you may not have realized are the parents of adopted children.

Willie Robertson
 

"Duck Dynasty" star Willie Robertson adopted his son Lil Will, an experience he has said he treasures over attending Super Bowls and meeting the president.
 

Jillian Michaels
 

Jillian Michaels, star of the show "The Biggest Loser," adopted her daughter Lukensia from Haiti in 2011.
 

Charlize Theron
 

Oscar-winning actress Charlize Theron adopted her son Jackson domestically in March of 2012 when he was 9 days old.
 

Viola Davis
 

Tony Award-winning actress Viola Davis, a household name due to her role in the movie "The Help," and her actor husband Julius Tennon adopted their daughter Genesis domestically in October of 2011.
 

Kristin Davis
 

Known primarily for her role on "Sex and the City," actress Kristin Davis adopted her daughter Gemma Rose domestically in October of 2011.
 

Mariska Hargitay
 

Actress Mariska Hargitay, known primarily for her starring role on the program "Law and Order: Special Victims Unit," has adopted two children domestically: daughter Amaya Josephine and son Andrew Nicolas.
 

Sheryl Crow
 

Nine-time Grammy Award winning musician Sheryl Crow has also adopted two children domestically, both sons: Wyatt Steven and Levi James.

Sandra Bullock
 

Oscar-winning actress Sandra Bullock initiated the domestic adoption of her son Louis Bardo with then-husband Jesse James in 2009, but finalized the process as a single mother in 2010.
 

Katherine Heigl
 

Emmy-winning actress Katherine Heigl has adopted two children with husband Josh Kelley: daughter Nancy Leigh from South Korea and daughter Adalaide Marie Hope domestically.
 

Ty Burrell
 

"Modern Family" star Ty Burrell and his wife have adopted two daughters.
 

Michelle Pfeiffer
 

In addition to her son John with husband David E. Kelley, Pfeiffer has an adopted daughter named Claudia Rose.
 

Sharon Stone
 

Sharon Stone has three adopted boys: Roan Joseph Bronstein (with ex-husband Phil Bronstein), and two others Laird Vonne Stone and Quinn Kelly Stone.
 

Hugh Jackman
 

Hugh and his wife Deborra-Lee have adopted two children; a son Oscar in 2000 and a baby girl, Ava in 2005.
 

Many-time celebrity adopters such as Angelina Jolie tend to receive the lion's share of the press for their actions. However, many more celebrities quietly adopt children, both domestically and from afar.

Phyiscal Side Effects of Abortion

The physical side effects after an abortion will vary from woman to woman. There are potential side effects and risks that you should be aware of. It is important to talk to a health professional as well as the doctor who will perform your abortion about possible side effects. Your period should return about 4 – 6 weeks after the abortion and you can get pregnant again soon after the abortion. If your doctor has prescribed antibiotics, it is important to take them as directed in order to help prevent infection.

Anticipated Physical Side Effects Following An Abortion:
 

The following is a list of side effects that are frequently experienced after an abortion. It is possible to experience these side effects for as long as 2 to 4 weeks following the procedure.

• Abdominal pain and cramping
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Spotting and Bleeding

Potential, More Serious Complications Following An Abortion:
 

Although serious complications occur in fewer than 1 out of 100 first trimester abortions and approximately 1 out of every 50 late term abortions, it is important to be aware of the following risks:

• Heavy or persistent bleeding
• Infection or sepsis
• Damage to the cervix
• Scarring of the uterine lining
• Perforation of the uterus
• Damage to other organs
• Death

It is important to understand that these risks are rare and that some of these risks are associated with child birth. What matters is that you are aware that these risks exist as you strive to make an informed decision about your pregnancy.
 

Abortion Physical Side Effects: Call Your Doctor
 

If you have had an abortion, call your doctor and seek medical attention if your side effects become severe or if you experience any of the following:

• Severe abdominal and back pain that prohibits you from standing up
• Bleeding that is heavier than a normal menstrual period
• Foul-smelling discharge
• Fever above 100.4 F
• Continuing symptoms of pregnancy

Adopting Teenagers

Though most people think about babies when they think about adoption, there are many older children and hundreds of teens who wait for a family. Most of them have been in foster care for a considerable length of time; many have faced multiple moves and great losses.
 

Until fairly recently, teens in foster care were rarely considered for adoption. Thankfully, that has now changed. It is now recognized that it is never too late for someone to join a family. In fact, some individuals are adopted as adults.
 

When these teens in foster care are no longer the responsibility of the government, they become extremely vulnerable. Amongst the kids we see on the streets, homeless, panhandling, or involved in prostitution, many grew up in foster care and have little or no family support when they leave foster care. Most teens who have been adopted thrive in their new families and say it was the best thing that ever happened to them.
 

Like all of us, these kids need stability, a sense of belonging, and opportunities to develop and grow. These things are all far more likely if they are part of a family.

What sort of people adopt teens?
 

All sorts of people. Some have never parented before; others have seen their children grow up and leave home and want to continue being parents. Parents considering teen adoption will need to be strong, resilient, and, most importantly, totally committed to making it work.

Do the teens want to be adopted?
 

Yes. Here are some comments from waiting teens on what not having a family feels like:

• "I truly don't feel like I've ever been loved ... there's a gaping hole in me."
• "I've been in and out of foster care since I was little ... I've moved so much, I don't even remember the names of half the people I have lived with."
• "I've really struggled with the idea of family ... trying to explain to people that I just don't have one."

A study on adolescent adoptions by the University of South Carolina, interviewed teens who had been adopted. This is what they said:

• "It's the most important thing that happened to me."
• "I've got a family and found love. I have everything one hopes for. I fit in a family."
• "I have a normal life now. I have a driver's license, and I drive. I have friends, and I get to go on overnights. There is no comparison to what my life is now and what it was before."
• "Before I was adopted, I was the property of the state ... just being adopted feels better."
• "If it weren't for my mom, I wouldn't be where I am today. In the beginning, I had given up. I really tested her, especially in school. There was no way I'd be where I am today without being adopted. 
• The best part is the relationship I have with my mom now."

What is the process for adopting a teen?
 

All prospective parents must complete a homestudy and an educational component before adopting a child. The homestudy is conducted by a social worker who interviews you and your family over several weeks. The social worker is not looking for perfection. The homestudy is not a test. The social worker is interested in why you chose adoption, your knowledge about adoption, how you have dealt with life's struggles (in particular, infertility, or grief and loss issues), and how you plan to deal with adoption or cultural issues as they arise. The homestudy process can be an excellent opportunity for self-reflection, clarification, and growth. The educational component is also a legal requirement. This series of seminars or one-on-one workshops explores the challenges and issues that may arise during your life as an adoptive family.
 

Teens are waiting children, too!

Pregnancy: Week by Week

Every week brings new developments when you're expecting. Your baby's changing day by day, and your body is keeping pace with developments of its own. Find out what's going on, inside and out, with this week-by-week pregnancy calendar guide.
 

First Trimester
 

Weeks 1 and 2 of pregnancy
Your pregnancy begins as your body gears up for ovulation and prepares for fertilization.
 

Week 3 of Pregnancy
As sperm meets egg, fertilization occurs and your baby-to-be takes form — as a tiny group of cells.
 

Week 4 of Pregnancy
The blastocyst that will be your baby splits to form the placenta and the embryo, and the specialized parts of your baby's body begin to develop.
 

Week 5 of Pregnancy
Your baby's heart and circulatory system are developing, while your hCG hormone levels are now high enough to confirm your good news with a home pregnancy test.
 

Week 6 of Pregnancy
Your baby's face is taking shape, which is something sweet to think about as you race to the toilet to pee yet again.
 

Week 7 of Pregnancy
Right now, the only things growing faster than your baby's brain may be your tingly, achy breasts.
 

Week 8 of Pregnancy
As your baby starts moving in the womb, morning sickness (which doesn't just strike in the morning) may have you moving to the bathroom.
 

Week 9 of Pregnancy
Your baby is busy building muscle, but all you may want to do these days is take a nice long nap.

Week 10 of Pregnancy
On your baby's to-do list this week: Build bones and cartilage. On your agenda, increase your fiber intake to cope with pregnancy constipation.
 

Week 11 of Pregnancy
That adorable little alien inside your tummy is starting to look human about now, as you start feeling a bit more human yourself.
 

Week 12 of Pregnancy
While it may seem as if you've doubled in size over the past few weeks with pregnancy weight gain, it's your baby who actually has!
 

Week 13 of Pregnancy
As the first trimester comes to a close, your baby's about the size of peach, though you may not be feeling too peachy about your sex life right now.

Second Trimester
 

Week 14 of Pregnancy
It's all about hair now as your baby sprouts some on his head, eyebrows, and body. As for Mom, those first-trimester pregnancy symptoms should be easing up a bit.
 

Week 15 of Pregnancy
You might not yet be feeling it, but your baby is kicking those little legs and flexing those elbows, while — higher up — you may be coping with some dental weirdness.
 

Week 16 of Pregnancy
Here's an eye opener for you: While you're packing on the baby pounds, your baby's eyesight (and eyelashes!) are developing rapidly.
 

Week 17 of Pregnancy
Your baby is practicing sucking and swallowing as she gets ready for the real thing: a breast or bottle! As for Mom, you may be warding off some unwanted belly touching.
 

Week 18 of Pregnancy
You might start to feel your baby moving around anytime now, which is a great way to take your mind off your bothersome back.
 

Week 19 of Pregnancy
Your baby's skin now has a protective coating, while you might be hoping for something to protect you from painful leg cramps.
 

Week 20 of Pregnancy
Boy or girl? You can find out this week through a routine ultrasound!
 

Week 21 of Pregnancy
Your baby is grazing on whatever you are right now, but those stretch marks are yours alone, Mom.
 

Week 22 of Pregnancy
These days, the only things growing more rapidly than your baby's senses may be her mommy's feet!
 

Week 23 of Pregnancy
Baby is getting (a little) plumper, but Mommy may notice something completely different when she glances at her own belly: the linea nigra.
 

Week 24 of Pregnancy
Your baby's facial features are really filling out…and your belly button may be really popping out!
 

Week 25 of Pregnancy
As baby prepares to take his first breath, pesky hemorrhoids may make you swear under yours.
 

Week 26 of Pregnancy
Major excitement: Your baby opens her eyes! On the flip side, you might wish yours would stay closed so you could get some sleep.
 

Week 27 of Pregnancy
Your baby moves on to a whole new growth chart this week, while your swollen feet and ankles may need a growth chart of their own!

Third Trimester
 

Week 28 of Pregnancy
Your baby has started blinking and dreaming while you may be dreaming that the pain in your derriere will disappear!
 

Week 29 of Pregnancy
Your baby's packing on the pounds, which look so cute on her. If only you could say the same for your varicose veins….
 

Week 30 of Pregnancy
Your baby's brain is getting smarter by the minute, but for Mom, the only thing that smarts right now may be heartburn pain.
 

Week 31 of Pregnancy
As your baby's senses increase, his mommy's breathing room decreases.
 

Week 32 of Pregnancy
Your baby is practicing survival skills like sucking and breathing, while your uterus is practicing some Braxton Hicks contractions.
 

Week 33 of Pregnancy
Your baby's immune system gets a boost, while her sleepless mommy could use a boost of energy.
 

Week 34 of Pregnancy
A boy baby's testicles descend this week (whoopee!), but Mom should also look out below — and above — as her vision becomes less sharp.
 

Week 35 of Pregnancy
A rapidly growing brain makes your baby's head weigh more and that means more pressure on Mommy's bladder.
 

Week 36 of Pregnancy
Your baby's bones may be ready to rock and roll, but yours may be aching something awful right now.
 

Week 37 of Pregnancy
Your doctor may check for labor signs, while your baby prepares for birth by sucking, turning, and breathing in the womb.
 

Week 38 of Pregnancy
Your baby is producing surfactant, which will help him take those first breaths while you're producing colostrum, the precursor to breast milk.
 

Week 39 of Pregnancy
Your baby's brain development is still in high gear, even as you may start to experience some definite signs of labor.
 

Week 40 of Pregnancy
It's the official end of your pregnancy — though your baby might not have gotten that memo. Hang in there!
 

Week 41 of Pregnancy
It's not unusual for a baby to be overdue, but you're apt to feel real labor pains at any time this week or next.
 

Week 42 of Pregnancy
In the rare case that your baby is truly overdue, the good news is she'll be wide-awake and ready to go once she's born.

The First Home Visit

What Information Will We Need to Provide?
 

While you might cringe at the idea of having an outsider come in to assess your parenting capabilities, if you think about it from the child’s perspective it makes sense. Basically, the home study exists as a safeguard for children. But it can help parents, too. “[The home study] gives people an opportunity to prepare for adoptive parenthood by looking back at where they’ve been and forward toward where they’re going with a clearer vision of all the things that brought them to this point,” says Renee Lubowich, an adoption social worker in Wellesley, Massachusetts.
 

With that in mind, here are some answers to common questions about home studies to help you get ready.
 

Specific home study criteria vary from state to state and, for international adoptions, from country to country. A local adoption agency can tell you what your state requires. If you’re planning to adopt internationally, try to decide what country you want to adopt from before initiating a home study, says Sam Wojnilower, an adoption social worker and Russia program coordinator for Adoptions from the Heart, based in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania. That way you can avoid the time and expense of having to redo parts of the process to meet the requirements of a particular country. An agency that deals with international adoption can advise you of the rules for different countries.
 

In general, you can expect to be asked to disclose your medical history, including testaments to your physical and medical health, and your financial status (you don’t have to be rich—just responsible). A social worker will also visit your home to, at a minimum, make sure there are no safety hazards and there is sufficient space for a child. Most states require a police background check and a child abuse background check; some also require federal criminal clearance.
 

States also give a lot of discretion to agencies, says Wojnilower, whose social workers will interview the prospective adoptive family, sometimes several times. Agencies might also ask you to write biographical essays, discuss your views on childrearing and discipline, or submit character references.
 

What Will It Cost?
 

Home studies usually cost at least $1,000 and can run up to $5,000. They are free, however, if you adopt a child who is a ward of the state in foster care. In those situations, the state covers the cost. (For more information on adopting children through the child welfare system, visit Adopt Us Kids, and check Is Foster Parenting Right for You (and Your Family?)
 

Can We Prepare?
 

You need to make sure your paperwork is in order, of course, but on a more personal level it can be helpful to take some time to think about (and be able to talk about) how adopting a child will affect your life.
 

Lubowich recommends reading about raising adopted children and considering the types of challenges you are prepared to take on in parenting an adopted child. “It’s helpful for people to do some self-reflection about their views on parenthood and childrearing, and to think about how and why they have those opinions,” she says. “In the case of a couple, it’s helpful for them to think about places they might agree or disagree in raising children.”
 

And while it’s tempting to clean the house from top to bottom and put on your Sunday best before the social worker comes to call, Wojnilower says that’s really not what the study is about. “I try to reassure folks that by the time we get past the very beginning stages they can feel comfortable because the requirements are largely objective,” he says. “It’s not, ‘Do I like the furniture in your house, do I like how you dress, do I like your sense of humor?’”
 

Could the Home Study Findings Prevent Us from Adopting?
 

In the objective, paperwork department you could encounter setbacks if you have:

• an arrest record (not in every case — Lubowich says it depends upon what type of arrest and how long ago it occurred)
• certain issues in your medical or mental health history
• a history of financial problems or a troubled financial situation
• multiple marriages (one or two previous marriages probably won’t hurt your chances but more than that might)
• an unstable job history

Some countries also have rules that might disqualify a particular family, such as parents’ ages, how long they’ve been married, and current or past health problems.
 

Problems can also arise if the social worker senses any underlying issues that need to be resolved. For example, one spouse might be in favor of adoption while the other is not completely on board. In the case of transracial adoptions, it might become apparent during the home study that there’s some discomfort with becoming a transracial family. If infertility has been a factor in the decision to adopt, sometimes one spouse is willing to stop infertility treatments while the other wants to try one more cycle. Wojnilower says that in these kinds of cases, an agency can provide some counseling but it might be necessary for the prospective parents to seek counseling elsewhere before continuing the adoption process.

Adopting Over 40

You CAN adopt.
You are both allowed to adopt, and capable of being a good parent.

You don't need to be superman or superwoman.
Remember, even if you lack the energy of a younger person, you probably have more patience and understanding. People have parented successfully even when they are in wheelchairs or blind; just being older should not be a deterrent.

You can adopt whether or not you are married, and whether or not you have other children.
Many older people come to adoption because their biological children are grown, or because they have remarried after divorce or widowhood and want to share the parenting experience with a new spouse. Older singles often come to adoption after having attained career goals or after recognizing that biological parenthood is no longer possible, even if they find a marriage partner.

You can adopt in many ways.
International adoption is often the preferred route, as several foreign countries value older parents and will grant them children in a reasonable time frame. However, it is also possible to adopt an infant, older or special needs children or to undertake a foster-adopt relationship domestically.

Give careful consideration to the age that interests you.
Most older people, like their younger counterparts, prefer to adopt infants or young toddlers, because they want the "baby" experience and know that the adjustment to adoption of very young children is likely to be easier. However, older parents should recognize that parenting such children is not easy; it involves a lot of carrying (which some older backs cannot tolerate) and a lot of adjustment of one's established routines to accommodate sleep and feeding schedules and such. Adopting very young children also means that the older adoptive parent will be well up in years when the child becomes a challenging adolescent. As a result, some older parents might want to consider adopting children who are past babyhood.

Consider other familial responsibilities.
Many older parents will find themselves faced with the challenging task of caring for frail elderly parents when their children are still young and in need of much attention. Older parents with biological children may also find themselves in a situation where adult offspring move back home after a failed marriage or an unsuccessful job hunt; this, too, can be quite stressful as they deal with the needs of a newly adopted young child.

Give careful thought to how you will manage, financially and otherwise, the needs of all people who may become dependent upon you.

Consider whether you REALLY know what parenting entails.
Both older and younger parents often fall in love with the idea of having a baby, without really understanding the full range of parenting challenges. And older people with older biological children may have parented in simpler times, or when they had more stamina. It is also not uncommon for prospective parents to gloss over the fact that the children they adopt may turn out to have special needs of one form or another.

One of the best ways for a prospective parent to develop an understanding of children's needs and the parenting role is to take on some form of volunteer or paid work with children - especially children with medical or other issues - to see if he/she can really cope with the tantrums, the upset stomachs, the sleepless nights, and the high-spirited behaviors.

Choose an agency, lawyer, or facilitator with special care.
Everyone, not just older people, should choose an adoption agency, lawyer, or facilitator with a good track record in results and ethical conduct. There are too many people who represent themselves as adoption professionals who fail to help families find acceptable children in a reasonable time frame, who charge outrageous fees, and/or who are not concerned with birth parent rights and needs. Older adoptive parents need to be careful to select an organization or individual that does not have a bias against older parents, that will advocate well for them, and that will help them choose the most promising avenue for adopting the type of child they want.

Recognize that delays are inevitable.
All adoptive parents want to have a placement immediately, but older people are particularly vulnerable because they worry about being too old to be effective parents. But the fact is that "glitch" happens in adoption. Even countries with stable adoption systems change their laws, causing delays. Families may even need to switch to another program. Within our own country, social workers and judges do not always operate quickly. Older people need to recognize that one year is NOT going to make much difference in their ability to parent effectively.

Ensure that you are in the best possible shape for adoption travel, and that you travel as comfortably as you can.
Most foreign countries require a prospective parent to travel to adopt. The travel may be quite arduous. There may be long bus rides, squat toilets, unfamiliar food, hard beds, no air conditioning, and more. And once the parent receives his/her child, the stay in the foreign country may be even more difficult.

It is important for older parents to be as healthy as possible before traveling, and to bring medications for any chronic condition that they may have. They may want to insist on the best possible arrangements for their stay in the foreign country, even if that means passing up that charming inn that the locals use in favor of a big, urban hotel. For people traveling across time zones, it may be a good idea to take one or more rest stops in better-developed cities, on the way to or from the country.

Take bonding time once you arrive home.
Many agencies recommend that new adoptive parents avoid the classic "airport party" if they are traveling home from a foreign country, as it often terrifies or overwhelms the child and further tires the parent, who may have had a difficult trip. They also suggest spending a week or two at home with the child, with few activities scheduled, to allow bonding to occur and both parent and child to rest and get over any travel-related bugs. These recommendations are particularly appropriate for the older parent, who may have less energy than his/her younger counterpart.


Make child care arrangements that mesh with the responsibilities of your job.
Many older parents hold responsible jobs that are not confined to a strict schedule. As they look at child care arrangements, they will need to ensure that they can find and afford child care that accommodates their work schedules. These may include early morning or evening meetings and occasional overnight travel.

Update your will and make guardianship arrangements.
All parents should have a will and some arrangements for their children to receive care if they should die or become incapacitated. The importance of this recommendation for older adoptive parents cannot be overstated. It is necessary both to protect the children's inheritance rights and to ensure that they are raised in a manner consistent with the parents' wishes.

Make backup arrangements for times when you are temporarily ill or incapacitated.
All parents need to plan for times when they are knocked flat by flu or break an arm testing out a skateboard. Older parents are more likely to develop medical problems that require care in a hospital or that limit their activities. They need to begin long before the need arises to find appropriate arrangements for their children. Unfortunately, many older people find that their friends and relatives are also older, and not in a position to take on the care of young children. Older parents must recognize that they either need the funds to pay for professional child care or a good support system that includes younger family members or friends.

Above all, don't be embarrassed because you are older!
The other parents at your child's school may be surprised by the age lines in your face or your greying hair, but they will soon see that you can chaperone field trips as well as anyone.

If you truly want to parent, and have a young attitude and an acceptance of others, regardless of age, you will do just fine.

Single Parent Adoption

A number of factors have encouraged the acceptance of single parent families. Perhaps most is the growing number of one-parent households due to divorce and to unmarried women having and keeping their children. A recent New York Times article reported that more than half of the Nation's 9.8 million African-American children under 18 years of age, nearly one-third of the 7 million Hispanic children, and one-fifth of the Nation's 51.1 million Caucasian children live with a single parent. While women are the primary caregivers for most of these children, there are also one million single fathers in this country. With so many children living in this type of home environment, adoption agencies have been more willing to consider unmarried men and women as prospective adopters.
 

Most of these single parents work full-time and are financially responsible for their families. While shouldering the economic burden, they continue to maintain the home and care for the children.

The issue of personal finances has become less important with the availability of adoption subsidies in almost every State for children with special needs. This has encouraged those with limited incomes who are otherwise capable and willing to adopt to pursue adoption.
 

The adoption picture has also changed. The number of healthy Caucasian infants available for adoption has decreased dramatically due to birth control, legalized abortion, and the decision of unwed mothers to keep their babies. Therefore, agencies have a shortage of babies to offer couples who are interested in adoption. Most of the children who are available for adoption are older or have disabilities. As the adoption agencies struggle to find homes for these children, single parent applicants have become more widely accepted.
 

Another factor is that single adoptive parents have proven to be very successful in encouraging their own acceptance. The latest research indicates that children raised in single adoptive parent families compare favorably with other adopted children and show a healthy involvement with friends and family as well as in the activities of their age group. It has been shown that it is the instability of broken homes, rather than the absence of a parent, that causes difficulty for a child  In 1985, an 8- year longitudinal study of 22 single adoptive parents reported that the child care provided by the parents had been consistent and of high quality. The researchers stated that, "The single parents of this study lead busy lives and seem to manage the demands of jobs, home, and parenting with a sure touch."The parents interviewed, who were both African-American and Caucasian, had adopted young children, most of whom were under the age of 3. The authors questioned whether a single parent placement would be as appropriate for an older child who has had difficult experiences, since more older children are available today.

These researchers concluded that "single parent homes may be particularly suited for children who need intense and close relationships and thus particularly appropriate for many of the older children in foster care who are now being prepared for permanent homes. For some children, such a close bond may meet a need and be a path to normal development."

Drug Use and Pregnancy

When you are pregnant, it is important that you watch what you put into your body. Consumption of illegal drugs is not safe for the unborn baby or for the mother. Studies have shown that consumption of illegal drugs during pregnancy can result in miscarriage, low birth weight, premature labor, placental abruption, fetal death, and even maternal death. The following information can help you understand these drugs and their effects.

Marijuana:
 

Common slang names: pot, weed, grass and reefer
 

What happens when a pregnant woman smokes marijuana?Marijuana crosses the placenta to your baby. Marijuana, like cigarette smoke, contains toxins that keep your baby from getting the proper supply of oxygen that he or she needs to grow.
 

How can marijuana affect the baby? Studies of marijuana in pregnancy are inconclusive because many women who smoke marijuana also use tobacco and alcohol. Smoking marijuana increases the levels of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide in the blood, which reduces the oxygen supply to the baby. Smoking marijuana during pregnancy can increase the chance of miscarriage, low birth weight, premature births, developmental delays, and behavioral and learning problems.
 

What if I smoked marijuana before I knew I was pregnant?According to Dr. Richard S. Abram, author of Will it Hurt the Baby,“occasional use of marijuana during the first trimester is unlikely to cause birth defects.” Once you are aware you are pregnant, you should stop smoking. Doing this will decrease the chance of harming your baby.
 

Cocaine:
 

Common slang names: bump, toot, C, coke, crack, flake, snow, and candy
 

What happens when a pregnant woman consumes cocaine?Cocaine crosses the placenta and enters your baby’s circulation. The elimination of cocaine is slower in a fetus than in an adult. This means that cocaine remains in the baby’s body much longer than it does in your body.
 

How can cocaine affect my baby? According to the Organization of Teratology Information Services (OTIS), during the early months of pregnancy cocaine exposure may increase the risk of miscarriage. Later in pregnancy, cocaine use can cause placental abruption. Placental abruption can lead to severe bleeding, preterm birth, and fetal death. OTIS also states that the risk of birth defects appears to be greater when the mother has used cocaine frequently during pregnancy. According to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecology (ACOG), women who use cocaine during their pregnancy have a 25 % increased chance of premature labor. Babies born to mothers who use cocaine throughout their pregnancy may also have a smaller head and be growth restricted. Babies who are exposed to cocaine later in pregnancy may be born dependent and suffer from withdrawal symptoms such as tremors, sleeplessness, muscle spasms, and feeding difficulties. Some experts believe that learning difficulties may result as the child gets older. Defects of the genitals, kidneys, and brain are also possible.
 

What if I consumed cocaine before I knew I was pregnant? There have not been any conclusive studies done on single doses of cocaine during pregnancy. Birth defects and other side effects are usually a result of prolonged use, but because studies are inconclusive, it is best to avoid cocaine altogether. Cocaine is a very addictive drug and experimentation often leads to abuse of the drug.
 

Heroin:
 

Common slang names: horse, smack, junk, and H-stuff
 

What happens when a pregnant woman uses heroin? Heroin is a very addictive drug that crosses the placenta to the baby. Because this drug is so addictive, the unborn baby can become dependent on the drug.
 

How can heroin affect my baby? Using heroin during pregnancy increases the chance of premature birth, low birth weight, breathing difficulties, low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), bleeding within the brain (intracranial hemorrhage), and infant death. Babies can also be born addicted to heroin and can suffer from withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms include irritability, convulsions, diarrhea, fever, sleep abnormalities, and joint stiffness. Mothers who inject narcotics are more susceptible to HIV, which can be passed to their unborn children.
 

What if I am addicted to heroin and I am pregnant? Treating an addiction to heroin can be complicated, especially when you are pregnant. Your health care provider may prescribe methadone as a form of treatment. It is best that you communicate with your health care provider, so he or she can provide the best treatment for you and your baby.
 

PCP & LSD:
 

What happens when a pregnant woman takes PCP and LSD? PCP and LSD are hallucinogens. Both PCP and LSD users can behave violently, which may harm the baby if the mother hurts herself.
 

How can PCP and LSD affect my baby? PCP use during pregnancy can lead to low birth weight, poor muscle control, brain damage, and withdrawal syndrome if used frequently. Withdrawal symptoms include lethargy, alternating with tremors. LSD can lead to birth defects if used frequently.
 

What if I experimented with LSD or PCP before I knew I was pregnant? No conclusive studies have been done on one time use effects of these drugs on the fetus. It is best not to experiment if you are trying to get pregnant or think you might be pregnant.
Methamphetamine:

Common slang names: meth, speed, crystal, glass, and crank
 

What happens when a pregnant woman takes methamphetamine? Methamphetamine is chemically related to amphetamine, which causes the heart rate of the mother and baby to increase.
 

How can methamphetamine affect my baby: Taking methamphetamine during pregnancy can result in problems similar to those seen with the use of cocaine in pregnancy. The use of speed can cause the baby to get less oxygen, which can lead to low birth weight. Methamphetamine can also increase the likelihood of premature labor, miscarriage, and placental abruption. Babies can be born addicted to methamphetamine and suffer withdrawal symptoms that include tremors, sleeplessness, muscle spasms, and feeding difficulties. Some experts believe that learning difficulties may result as the child gets older.
 

What if I experimented with methamphetamine before I knew I was pregnant? There have not been any significant studies done on the effect of one time use of methamphetamine during pregnancy. It is best not to experiment if you are trying to get pregnant or think you might be pregnant.
 

What Does The Law Say?
 

Currently there are no states that holds prenatal substance abuse as a criminal act of child abuse and neglect. But many have expanded their civil child-welfare requirements to include substance abuse during pregnancy as grounds for terminating parental rights in relation to child abuse and neglect. The laws that address prenatal substance abuse are as follows:
 

Iowa, Minnesota, and North Dakota’s health care providers are required to test for and report prenatal drug exposure. Kentucky health care providers are only required to test.
 

Alaska, Arizona, Illinois, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, Oklahoma, Utah, Rhode Island and Virginia’s, health care providers are required to report prenatal drug exposure. Reporting and testing can be evidence used in child welfare proceedings.
 

Some states consider prenatal substance abuse as part of their child welfare laws. Therefore prenatal drug exposure can provide grounds for terminating parental rights because of child abuse or neglect. These states include: Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Minnesota, Nevada, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Virginia, and Wisconsin.
 

Some states have policies that enforce admission to an inpatient treatment program for pregnant women who use drugs. These states include: Minnesota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.
In 2004, Texas made it a felony to smoke marijuana while pregnant, resulting in a prison sentence of 2-20 years.
 

How Can I Get Help?
 

You can get help from counseling, support groups, and treatment programs. Popular groups include the 12 step program. Numbers that can help you locate a treatment center include:

• National Drug Help Hotline 1-800-662-4357
• National Alcohol and Drug Dependence Hopeline 1-800-622-2255

Teens and Adoption

You've heard it your whole life: Enjoy your teenage years because they will be gone before you know it.

For some young women, those teenage years may already seem over because of an unplanned teenage pregnancy. If this describes your situation, understand that being a pregnant teenager is more common than you might think, and there is plenty of help out there.
 

The following are some ideas to support you during this time and to better understand your teenage pregnancy adoption options.
 

1. Make Good Choices for Yourself and Your Baby
 

As a pregnant teenager, you likely have never faced this amount of responsibility, so it is important to realize that your choices affect not just yourself but also your baby.
 

Whether those choices involve drinking alcohol, smoking cigarettes, using drugs, eating unhealthy, not getting enough exercise or taking certain risks, it might be necessary for you to evaluate your current lifestyle and eliminate any activities or habits that don’t promote a healthy pregnancy.

This also includes making sure you are surrounded by positive friends and family members who will support you during your teenage pregnancy.
 

2. Build a Support System to Help with Your Pregnancy
 

A good friend who listens to you and truly tries to understand what you are going through can be an essential component to a healthy teenage pregnancy.

The more people you know who exude these qualities, the better. They can be friends, parents, grandparents, siblings, fellow students, school counselors, teachers, pastors or anyone else who brings positivity to your life and your pregnancy.
 

3. Continue Your Education
 

Just because you are a pregnant teenager doesn’t mean your education is any less important. You actually have several options to continue your education while pregnant.

Continue at Your Own High School – In most situations, this is probably the easiest way to receive your high school diploma. Be sure to inform your high school teachers and school counselor of your pregnancy so they can tend to your needs and schedule.
 

Pursue Independent Study – Independent study classes allow students to complete classes from home and earn high school and junior college credits. Talk to your school counselor for any available independent studies.
 

Attend a Special School – Most communities offer daytime or nighttime high school classes for people who have alternative needs that require a flexible schedule.
 

Obtain Your G.E.D. – The G.E.D. is a test that measures your general educational accomplishments. Once you have passed the exam, you will have earned the equivalent to your high school diploma, which opens up many doors to continued education.

Keep in mind, if you are considering adoption as a possibility, you could be eligible to receive an adoption scholarship.
 

4. Know Your Options for Your Unplanned Teenage Pregnancy
While the previous steps are necessary for all pregnant teenagers, this step is only applicable to women who are unsure if they are ready to parent.
 

Raising a child is one of the most important and challenging jobs around. An unplanned pregnancy is particularly challenging for young women because they don’t always have the resources to care for the child.
 

You must ask yourself: Am I ready for this responsibility? Do I have the necessary support of the father of my baby? Do I have the necessary support from my family? Do I even want to be a mother at this stage in my life?

These are questions to which only you know the answers.
 

If you are unsure about parenting as a teenager, or if you have already decided that you are not ready for this responsibility, know that adoption is always an option for a teenage pregnancy.