Questions to Ask Prospective Parents

You may have selected several different couples as possible adoptive parents for your child. How will you narrow your selection? Although someplacing parentsmake a decision after reading a few couples' profiles, most make a carefully considered decision, making their choice only after many questions and much thought.

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Before you contact any prospective adoptive parents for the first time, it's a good idea to make a list of questions you want to ask to help you get to know each couple. Here are some possible questions, and you should add others you think are important:

• Why do you want to adopt a baby?
• Have you adopted before?
• Do you have any experience with children?
• What do your families think about you adopting a baby?
• Will you tell the child that he is adopted? When and how?
• What will you tell the child about me? About his birthfather?
• Was open adoption your first choice?
• What are your religious beliefs?
• What are your beliefs about education?
• What forms of discipline will you use with the child?
• Are you willing to maintain contact with me/us as your child grows up?
• What type of contact?
• How often?