What is the first step in adopting a newborn child?

We are looking into adoption, been to family services offices so many times it's unreal. I know they want to be sure that we are good people who will love and provide for this child but good grief! I'm getting so discouraged and wonder if anyone out there can help us get the ball rolling without so much red tape.

I'm an adoption social worker and I advise you get a lot more patience because this could take YEARS.......

Despite what people think, there are not many babies who need homes CHILDREN yes....BABIES no!

You could go with a private agency that will charge you an arm and a leg for things special needs places do free........but special needs places don't have a lot of babies.

If you're in a bigger hurry you could try a private agency and do a foreign country, many are much quicker but you are talking $$$$$$. You have to travel to the country and such.

My girlfriend waited two years for her private domestic adoption....

Good luck, but this is a long process...occassionally there is a miracle child who just pops up (it has happened with my cases....but generally it takes a while!

I would go directly to the hospital. They have a thing where mothers can just give birth and drop the babys off there now. They would know how to adopt a baby in a fast rate. I have a freind who has done this, and there is much less red tape than going threw an agency. I am glad that you are willing to give your love to a great baby. good luck.

It takes a while. My brother/sister in law have been on the list for over a year now and have only gotten calls to the staffing portin. Which means that they past the first round of "cuts" if you will. Good luck.

You do need the red tapes. Like you said, the agencies need to make sure that they are giving out the baby to somebody who is sane and able to take care of the baby.