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How do you know you are ready to adopt a child?

Deciding to adopt is a profound commitment, and there is no universal “readiness checklist.” Each prospective parent’s journey to adoption is unique, shaped by personal growth, the desire to create a family, and, most importantly, the commitment to support a child through life’s complexities. Here, we explore the qualities that make someone prepared to adopt rather than simply “ready.” Because in adoption, readiness isn’t about being sure of yourself; it’s about a willingness to embark on an unpredictable, transformative journey.  

You’re Never Truly “Ready,” But You Can Be Prepared  

If you feel completely “ready” for adoption, you might be overlooking its depth. Adoption is not a neat, predictable experience. It requires learning, openness, and adaptability. You’ll never be entirely prepared for the realities of adoption, but by cultivating a learning mindset, you can be prepared.  

Being prepared means you’ve done the work to shift your expectations and understand that adoption is about providing a loving, supportive home for a child—not fulfilling personal desires. Even with the best intentions, adoption is not about filling a void or fulfilling an image of parenthood. It’s about offering a stable, permanent, and nurturing environment where a child can grow, thrive, and heal, regardless of the challenges they bring.  So, ask yourself: are you ready to adopt a child, not just in your heart, but in your ability to navigate complexity with compassion? Here is a brief list to get you started. 

Adoption Means Embracing Trauma  

At its core, adoption is rooted in loss and trauma. Every adopted child has experienced separation from their birth family, which creates an imprint that stays with them. As a parent, being prepared means recognizing and respecting this trauma rather than minimizing it. Many parents may hope to adopt a child “who hasn’t been that traumatized,” but every child in adoption has, by definition, endured separation from their family of origin.    

Consider Accessibility to Essential Support Systems  

When adopting, especially an older child, it’s crucial to recognize that some communities may lack the necessary support systems to help a child thrive. Resources like ESL programs, specialized educational support, adoptee networks or medical facilities tailored to a child’s specific needs aren’t always available in every area. Adopting an older child may require a willingness to relocate to a community that offers these vital resources.  

Ask yourself: Are you open to making such a move, if necessary, to support your child’s success and well-being?   

Be Willing to be a Mentor, Rather Than a Traditional Parent  

Adopting an older child often means redefining traditional parenting roles. In many cases, adoptive parents of older children may need to function more as mentors than as conventional parents. Older children may have established routines, cultural identities, or personal histories that require a unique level of understanding and support, and they may reject the idea of calling their adoptive parents “mom” or “dad.”  

Surround Yourself and Your Child with Support  

Adoption isn’t a solo endeavor. It requires a community—a “village.” Do you have a support network? People who can cheer you on, provide a shoulder to cry on, or help with daily needs? If not, building this network before adopting is essential.   

Your child also needs a support network that provides cultural engagement and opportunities to connect with other adopted children. 

Surround yourself and your child with support

Educate Yourself and Learn from Others  

Being prepared means reading, listening, and learning from others who have traveled this road. These resources can come from The Park Adoption Community Center, books like The Connected Child, and listening to adoption podcasts.    

Let Go of Expectations and Embrace the Unknown  

Adoption is an unfolding story, one without a fixed ending. Entering this journey with specific expectations can limit you, while openness and adaptability set the stage for growth. Rather than holding onto a “fairy tale” ideal, embrace the path forward with resilience, flexibility, and empathy.  

Adoption isn’t about rescuing a child; it’s about committing to them, heart and soul. Adoptive parents are not owed gratitude from their children. A child doesn’t ask for adoption. In addition, affection grows both ways over time and cannot be forced.  

Commit to a Journey of Permanency  

When you adopt, your role is to provide a stable, loving presence—no matter how long or bumpy the road.    

Adoption is life-changing- both for you and the adoptive child.   Adapting to meet your child’s unique needs, interests, and history can be both challenging and rewarding.  

In the end, knowing if you’re ready to adopt a child is less about having every answer and more about being prepared for the unexpected, the challenging, and the beautiful moments ahead. It’s about choosing to be there, forever, with open arms and an open heart, ready to grow, learn, and love fully. Adoption isn’t easy, but it offers a life rich in wonder, resilience, and connection for those prepared to embrace its challenges.  

So, are you ready to adopt a child with this openness, ready to accept both the joys and trials that will come? May be not entirely, but if you are prepared, you’re on the right track. Visit CCAI’s Adoption Programs to learn more about the children who are waiting for their forever family!

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GiGi Pleet

Adoption Program Specialist

GiGi Pleet joined CCAI in 2014 as our China Applications Specialist. She rejoined the team in 2022 after taking a few years off to spend time with her family.  GiGi and her husband have adopted three beautiful daughters from China who are the joy and purpose of their lives.  GiGi is passionate about adoption and furthering CCAI’s mission to find loving parents and permanent homes for as many children as possible and to continue reaching out to children left behind.  When she is not working, you can find her spending time with her girls in the beautiful mountains of Colorado or on an adventure to a new, faraway place.
 
Joined CCAI:  Originally 2014 – 2020, rejoined 2022
 
Bucket List Item:  To see all Seven Wonders of the World 

Contact Information

gigi@ccaifamily.org

(303) 850-9998 ext. 300

Emily Straut

The Park Administrative Assistant

Emily was adopted through CCAI in 2002!  Having always admired the ways that the organization continued to support families even after adoption, she began working at The Park last year because she wanted to be more involved in the adoption community and according to her, “It’s been a blast so far!”

Emily is majoring in environmental science at MSU Denver and hopes to help mitigate the causes and effects of climate change. In her free time, she like to practice guitar, play video games, watch movies, and spend time with her friends and family. 

Bucket List: Visit every province in China!

Contact Information

emily@theparkcommunity.org

(303) 221-6688 ext. 170

CO Team Line 4

Ivy Buchanan

The Park Adoptee Program Coordinator

Ivy has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Production Design for Film and Theater with a minor in Studio Art. She had the opportunity to study abroad in London, England and Florence, Italy. After graduating, while visiting an orphanage in Kathmandu, Nepal she had a moment of realization and knew she wanted to work in the adoption community. After some prior experience in post-adoption and nonprofit management, she came to The Park and is really enjoying focusing on and being involved with offering lifelong support for adoptees and the adoption community.

Ivy was adopted from Kazakhstan at 18-months old and is proud of her adoptee identity and her adoptive family. She is passionate about sharing the stories of the amazing people in the adoption community and helping adoptees celebrate their identities. Her lifelong best friend was adopted from China through CCAI. 

In her free time, she enjoys making art (she is working on a series of sculptural paintings of poached animal species), trying new food, catching up with friends, reading, and being with family. She loves to travel whenever possible.

Joined CCAI: 2023

Top Bucket List Items:

  • A trail ride through “Middle Earth” in New Zealand
  • Volunteering for a few weeks at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary
  • Sleeping in a hammock on a beach

Contact Information

ivy@theparkcommunity.org

(303) 221-6688 ext. 205

CO Team Line 1

Colorado Expenses

ExpenseAmountPmt MethodPay ToDue
Application Fee$250Check/ACH WithdrawalCCAIApplication submission
Child Abuse Record Search$35/FamilyCheckCO Dept of Human ServiceApplication submission
IAAME Monitoring & Oversight Fee$500Check/ACH WithdrawalCCAI (Sent to IAAME)After App Approval
First Program Fee (Includes Home Study)$5,700Check/ACH WithdrawalCCAIAfter App Approval
CBI/FBI Fingerprint Search$39.50 per personMoney OrderColorado Bureau of InvestigationAfter App Approval
USCIS Filing & Fingerprinting$775 plus $85/adultCheck/Money OrderUS Dept. of Homeland SecurityUpon I-800A submission
Dossier PreparationApprox. $450-$900Check/Money OrderSecretary of State(s), Chinese Consulate(s)As preparing Dossier
Second Program Fee$5,050Check/ACH WithdrawalCCAIDossier Submission
CCCWA Fee$1,270Check/ACH WithdrawalCCCWA via CCAIDossier Submission
Third Program Fee$5,500Check/ACH WithdrawalCCAIPrior to receiving child match acceptance letter
CCCWA Post Adoption Translation Fee$300Check/ACH WithdrawalCCCWA via CCAIPrior to receiving child match acceptance letter
Court Validation Deposit$200CheckCCAIPrior to receiving child match acceptance letter
Post Adoption Deposit (Refundable)$450Check/ACH WithdrawalCCAIPrior to receiving child match acceptance letter
Visa to enter China$140 (plus courier fee)Check/Credit CardChinese Consulate via a courier/travel agencyApproximately one month before travel to China
US Domestic & International Airfare$1,000 – $2,000 per traveler (adopted child over 2 requires full ticket)Credit CardA travel agency/airline of your choice

Approximately 7-10 days prior to China departure

In China Travel & AccommodationsApprox. $4,000-$4,400 for two adultsACH WithdrawalCCAI (wired to China)Approximately 7-10 days prior to China departure
Adoption Registration and Notarization$800 – $1,000CashLocal government in ChinaIn China
Orphanage Donation(Voluntary)Cash or WireOrphanageIn China
Child’s Passport$100-$150CashLocal passport agencyIn China
Food$700 – $800 per coupleCash/Credit CardHotel(s), restaurant(s)In China
Child Physical & Photo$130-$150CashClinicIn Guangzhou, China
Child U.S. Entry Visa$325Cash or CheckU.S. ConsulateIn China
Court Validation Fee$167CheckCounty CourtAfter U.S. Return
Child’s Colorado Birth Certificate$37.75CheckColorado Vital Statistics OfficeAfter U.S. Return
Lutheran Family Services$250CheckLutheran Family Services via CCAIWhen Home Study is approved by CCAI