How LGBTQ+ prospective parents can navigate the adoption process

abcnews.go.com:

Adoption can be a way to build a loving family, particularly for same-sex couples, who are more likely to adopt than opposite-sex couples, according to census data

Adoption is one way LGBTQ+ people can fulfill their dreams of becoming a parent. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, same-sex couples were four times more likely than opposite-sex couples to adopt a child in 2019.

While LGBTQ+ prospective parents can expect a similar adoption process as opposite-sex couples, there are unique considerations involving whom to work with and how to pay for adoption.

Knowing whom to turn to during what can be an emotional and expensive process can help LGBTQ+ adoptive parents along the way.

CONSIDER THE TYPE OF ADOPTION

One of the first decisions all prospective parents must make is what type of adoption works best for their family. Options include adoption through foster care — nearly 400,000 children in the U.S. currently await homes — or through an adoption agency. Another option is an independent adoption, which involves working directly with birth parents.

Intercountry adoption, or adopting a child from another country, presents obstacles for prospective parents who are LGBTQ+. According to the National Council for Adoption, a handful of countries, including Brazil, Colombia and South Africa, allow adoptions by nontraditional parents. Other countries may allow a single parent who identifies as LGBTQ+ to adopt, but not a couple.

WORK WITH LGBTQ+ FRIENDLY PARTNERS

Another important consideration for LGBTQ+ prospective parents is finding the agencies, attorneys and organizations that see them as valid parents who deserve a family.

While the U.S. Supreme Court removed the last statewide ban on same-sex adoption in