A Child Referral

The most exciting moment of the adoption process is when an adoption match or referral is made.  This is the moment that an agency uses what they know about you and your family to match you to a child in need of a home.

While adoption referrals vary on a case-to-case basis, there are several components that may be included in your specific adoption referral.  Some of these include:

• Photos: Black and white or color, depending on where it is coming from.

• Video

• Medical history: This may include the child's age, height, weight, lab tests (HIV, TB, Hep), medications given, diagnosis, complications, and also an outlook on how the child is growing and developing physically.  

• Background information: This may include information about the birth parents such as age, occupation, religion, and why the child is being placed for adoption.

• Developmental information: Milestones that were met or missed, such as rolling over, sitting up, walking, talking, etc.

• Social information: This includes information on how the child interacts with his/her caregiver or other children in the orphanage or foster home.  

Each component of the referral should be looked at with an open mind and heart, and the decision as to whether this child is the right fit for you and your family should never be made in haste.