Many different routes to take for adoption

A recent news report quoted a social worker who said it can be harder to adopt if a parent is older than 40 or 50 and more difficult to adopt domestically for single parents. While this may be true for private domestic adoption, this is not the case for foster/adoption. Adoptive parents can be single, married, gay, straight, renters, homeowners, young or old.

The report also talks about the costs of international and domestic adoption. According to the Evan B. Donaldson Adoption Institute, adopting domestically through a private agency or adopting internationally costs between $4,000 and $25,000. Adopting through foster care costs little to nothing. In fact, there is sometimes assistance to help with the ongoing needs of the child or children.

The route a person chooses to adopt is a very personal decision. But everyone deserves all the facts regarding the process. For more information on foster/adoption in Iowa, visit www.iakids.org.

Erica Zito

Cedar Rapids