1. When adopting through the county, it takes years to complete the process and receive a child. Before you can adopt via your county, you do have to get a foster care license. In reality, it takes about 4 - 6 months to complete the home study portion of the foster care application. Much of the timing depends on the applicant's motivation and follow-through. After the home study is completed, social workers will try to find the child who is the best match for you. Sometimes this can take six months or more; sometimes it happens very quickly. Every effort is made to match a child with the best available family, thus placing children in homes where they will be a good fit. This is why a large range of time is given and not hard time-lines.

2. All babies put up for agency adoption via the county are born exposed to drugs or alcohol and will suffer permanent damage. The research does not find this to be true, and many of these children have little, to no, ill effects due to exposure. While some of these children are dealing with physical and emotional concerns due to exposure, just like other children, they need the nurturing and support that a family can give them.

3. When it comes to getting licensed as a foster parent - which is required before I can adopt - I'm going to have to do it alone. During the foster parent licensing and the adoption placement, you will not be alone. You will always have a licensing worker to call upon for guidance and support. Other resources include: support groups, mentoring programs, and classes. One of the benefits of attending classes is the opportunity to network with other foster parents, learn about community resources, and share experiences with others who may also feel alone.

4. Dealing with caseworkers will be a nightmare. Caseworkers have a lot on their plates, but they understand every parent is important and strive to meet your needs. The system is designed for you to move from caseworker to caseworker. However, you'll always have at least one contact person to call at any point in the process. Most families find that their critical needs are met in a timely way, and they enjoy working with their caseworkers.

5. Adoption involves a lot of "red tape." Adoption via the county does not involve the dreaded "red tape" that many people think it will. Once a biological family's parental rights are terminated, the adoption process is remarkably simple. Private adoption, which sometimes requires people who want to adopt to deal with expectant mothers, can be more legally and emotionally complicated.