Now that you've given some thought to what type of adoptive parents you want for your child, you may be curious to know the process of selecting a family. The process for most agencies is pretty similar, so I’ll describe a typical selection process, although depending on the agency or attorney you are working with, it may vary slightly.

How will I select a family?
Once you choose to make an adoption plan, the agency or attorney you are working with, will probably have you start looking at family profiles and “dear birthmom letters” as they are generally nicknamed.

When should I start selecting a family?
When you feel ready! It’s recommended that you wait until you are fairly certain that making an adoption plan is the right answer for you or your child. Don’t let an agency or other adoption professionals push you into selecting a family right away if you do not feel ready. There is no rule that says you must choose a family before your child is born, in fact, many believe that it is better if you wait until after your child is born to select a family so that if you are having doubts or want to change your mind about adoption, you will not feel pressured or obligated by a waiting family. Yet others prefer to make the selection during pregnancy so they can get to know the prospective adoptive family better during that time.

Should I let others help me in choosing a family?
This is up to you. If your baby's father is involved, you may wish to let him help in the selection process. If you have trusted loved ones whose opinions you value, you may wish to ask their input. But ultimately this is your final decision.

What is a prospective adoptive parents’ profile?
The profiles generally contain a letter that the prospective adoptive parents have written to expectant mothers considering adoption. They contain bits of information about the prospective adoptive parents possibly including but not limited to some of the following: their desire to adopt, their careers, family life, home, other children they may have, thoughts on adoption typically including the type of adoption they are hoping for, child raising beliefs, pets, hobbies, etc. The letters typically contain pictures of the prospective adoptive parents, other children they may have, and sometimes pictures of their home, extended family, pets, etc.