A great way to increase your ability to adopt faster is to be open to adopting from outside of your home state – also known as “interstate adoption”. On this episode, we cover everything you need to know about interstate adoption with our special guest Carrie Eckhardt. Start listening right here: When adopting a newborn from another state, it is extremely important to be prepared. My wife and I have adopted all three of our kids from other states, so we know first hand how challenging it can be. This is why I’m so happy to have Carrie Eckhardt on the show – to break down the interstate adoption process so we can all understand and overcome those challenges. Carrie is the Supervisor for Domestic Infant Adoption and Pregnancy Counseling for Bethany Christian Services in Philadelphia. She has been with Bethany since 2009. Prior to this role, she was a home study worker and case manager for both infant and international adoptive families. Carrie shares her many years of experience as she walks us through the interstate adoption process, telling stories of real families who have successfully adopted. She gives us DOs and DON’Ts for adopting from another state, so you can be prepared for what to expect. Links we talk about in this episode: * Bethany.org – learn more about how to adopt from the adoption agency with offices in 36 states.* Bethany.org/Philadelphia – this is the office where Carrie is based.* Airbnb.com – where you can find and reserve a home, condo or room to stay while you are in another state, sometimes cheaper and with more room than a hotel.* VRBO.com – similar to Airbnb above, this site allow you to find vacation rental homes or condos anywhere in the U.S.* 18 Money Saving Tips For Domestic Adoption Travel – this article shares a bunch of ideas for saving money when you have to travel anywhere to adopt a baby.* 10 Domestic Adoption Travel Tips – get tips that my wife and I have personally used as we’ve adopted all three of our kids from other states.* 9 Things You Need When Adopting From Another State – this is a collection of things I’ve found to be helpful for interstate adoptions. THANKS FOR LISTENING! Could you help out the show? It’s easy: * Leave a review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help more folks find the podcast. I read each one – so I appreciate your feedback.* Subscribe on iTunes. Get the podcast episodes on your phone or tablet. I invite you to learn how to tell your story and adopt faster by making your adoption profile video. I’ve created the only online video course about how to make your profile video. It’s called ADOPTION PROFILE VIDEOS MADE EASY. Get started today by going to