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Parentpedia
Adopting an Older Child
What Experts Say
If you're adopting internationally or through the foster care system, you'll need to consider what age child you'd like to parent. There is a tremendous need for parents willing to take on the special challenges of parenting an older child and if this is something you're able to do, your adoption may go much more quickly.
Richard Mintzer, author of Yes, You Can Adopt!, says it's a good idea to find counseling professionals adept at helping families with adoption issues before you bring your child home. Having a support system lined up ahead of time will make things easier since you won't need to scramble to find someone if challenges crop up later. Besides, meeting with someone beforehand can help prepare you.
"You want to be well versed in how you're going to talk about adoption to the child and be able to talk about and deal with the transition from their previous home to yours," Mintzer explains.
In other words, on-the-job training is made easier if you get some prep time first.
A note about language issues: If you'll be adopting an older child internationally, line up your translators now. If you live near a college or university you may be able to find help there. Otherwise, talk to your agency about finding someone who can help translate who you can phone occasionally.
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