Welcome to episode #1 of the Infant Adoption Guide Podcast! Studies show that thousands of couples have considered adoption, but have not followed through. Why? Misconceptions? Fears? Costs? Too complicated? I’ve been in your shoes. You are not alone.  You CAN adopt! 10 reasons why you should adopt now:   1. You can afford to adopt, even if you’ve heard how expensive it is. * Costs can range from FREE (foster-adopt) up to $40,000 or more * On average:  $20,000 to $35,000 for domestic infant adoption. See the Adoptive Families Magazine survey that shows their results at http://www.theadoptionguide.com/cost/articles/how-much-does-adoption-cost * Some agencies offer sliding scale fees. Click here to check out my post that lists several agencies with sliding scale fees. * BOTTOM LINE: it is expensive to adopt(and maybe it shouldn’t be) but this is reality today. If you want to be a parent – you can get the help you need. * if you choose to foster adopt: usually cost nothing.  Process is lengthy and the baby may be returned to their birth family. * the adoption professional you choose (sliding scales, cap on birthmother expenses, agency fee, etc) * how much advertising you will do (usually costs thousands) * state laws (some require additional social worker for the birthmother – example: Nevada) * domestic vs international adoption:  less money spent on travel for domestic * can you get an adoption grant? * www.HelpUsAdopt.org * www.GiftOfAdoption.org * do some fundraisingadoption tax credit (in 2012 it is $12,650 per adopted child) * check out my post http://www.infantadoptionguide.com/adoption-fundraisers * can get donations for your adoption by “selling” things * adoption prayer bracelet * adoption T-shirts * coffee * http://www.infantadoptionguide.com/adoption-tax-credit-2011-2012 * does your employer offer adoption benefits? Get help from  www.adoptionfriendlyworkplace.org. 2. Availability of babies to adopt in the U.S. * National Council for Adoption research shows there are at least 22,000 domestic infant adoptions that take place every year. * Even though there is a lot of adoption talk about international – but adopting domestically is the only way to do adopt a newborn. * After dealing with infertility, my wife and I knew we wanted to adopt a newborn – to experience parenting a child from birth. * You may have the opportunity to be at the hospital when the baby is born if the birthmother is OK with it. * There are agencies that specialize in adopting infants & newborns. * BOTTOM LINE: you can adopt a infant/newborn. 3. It doesn’t take as long a you think to adopt an infant. * Domestic infant adoptions currently have a shorter wait (on average) than international adoptions. * Most domestic infant adoptions: average wait is 12-24 months. * Adoptive Families magazine survey in 20...