Frequently asked questions about adoption and “Spirit of Faith Adoptions”   1. Why Adopt? At “Spirit of Faith Adoptions”, we believe that God intended all human beings to experience family love. Our families are intended to provide us with care, comfort, nurture, a sense of belonging and, perhaps most important, a setting in which to learn and grow spiritually, Adoption enables children who might not otherwise know the love and care of a family to participate in God’s plan for life. When done for the right reasons, adoption is an action that is pleasing to God. For an adoptive parent, adoption can be one of the most rewarding actions in life.   2. Why Should I Consider a Domestic Adoption? A domestic adoption can enable an adoptive family to receive a newborn or infant which is usually not the case in an international adoption. A domestic adoption does not require international travel and is typically less expensive than an international adoption. In addition, a domestic adoption may offer the possibility of more complete information concerning the medical condition of the child. For more information on domestic adoption, click here.   3. Why Should I Consider an International Adoption? An international adoption offers the possibility of adding a varied cultural experience to family. International adoptions are usually closed and this fact combined with the financial limitations in most countries where international adoptions occur make it unlikely that an adoptive family will be contacted in the future by the child’s birth family. For information on our international programs, click here.   4. Why Should I Select “Spirit of Faith Adoptions?” SOFA is dedicated to personal attention and care for those persons involved in the adoption triangle. SOFA’s administrator and founder is an adoptive parent and has been involved in the adoption field for nearly a decade. There are many excellent adoption agencies but SOFA is committed to serving its clients in a way that demonstrates that their adoption is the most important case ever.   5. I am Pregnant and am Considering Adoption. What Should I Do? If you are confronted with a crisis pregnancy, realize that God loves you and your unborn child. At SOFA, we believe that God has a special plan for your life and the life of your child. That plan may involve offering your child for adoption. Placing a child for adoption is a heroic act. If you want to discuss your situation with a SOFA representative, call us at 419-843-5355.   6. How much does it cost to adopt? Typically, the cost of a domestic adoption is approximately $7,500–$10,000. The cost of an international adoption can range from $17,000–$32,000, depending on the country form which the adoption will occur.   7. How long does it take to adopt? No adoption agency can guarantee how long it will take to adopt, and any particular adoption can encounter obstacles. And, in the case of an international adoption, political and regulatory issues can emerge that may delay or hinder adoptions. That said, a rough rule of thumb is that an international adoption may be completed in about twelve to fourteen months, depending on the country and length of time required to complete your home study. A domestic adoption may take longer, especially if you are seeking a child of a particular race or gender. In both domestic and international adoptions, older children or children with special needs may be adopted more quickly.   8. What Does Adoption Mean? Legally, adoption means that a child has the same rights and status as a child born biologically to parents. Once an adoption is complete, there is almost no risk that a child can be returned to his or her biological parent(s) except in the case of a procedural error or mistake, which is extremely rare. In the case of a domestic adoption in the state of Ohio, there can be no challenge to an adoption of a child after one year following finalization of an adoption. Legal challenges to adoptions are rare and very difficult for a challenging party to win. In the case of an international adoption, the risk that a child could be returned to his or her biological parents is virtually nonexistent. Emotionally and spiritually, adoption means that the adoptive parents has assumed the responsibility of guiding, providing for and loving the child that God has placed in their care and, in return, will receive the challenges and joys that accompany every parent/child relationship.   9. What is a Home Study and Do I Need One? A home study is an assessment of a prospective parent(s)’ capability to provide a secure home for a child conducted by a licensed social worker. All adoptions, domestic or international, must be preceded by a home study. SOFA can facilitate your acquisition of a home study.   10. Am I Eligible to Adopt? In an international adoption, individual countries establish the rules concerning what persons are eligible to adopt. These rules are described more completely in our “International Programs” page. For a domestic adoption, there are few restrictions, provided that a valid home study has been approved. SOFA is a Christian agency and believes that children should be raised in homes where God’s principles regarding family relationships are promoted. Therefore, SOFA will only accept prospective parent clients that are heterosexual and where the prospective parent(s) professes a faith in Jesus Christ. SOFA has no restrictions on the ability of single men or women to adopt. However, in some countries, couples are required.