Adoption is one of the most loving acts that someone can do for a child. Choosing to bring a child into your home when their birth parents are unable to care for them is a kind, loving, selfless choice. This is also why it is important to know fact from myth if you are considering adoption. In order to prepare for the process of adoption and of nurturing an adopted child, you need the right information. Here are five myths about adoption:

1. The birth parents or relatives of the child can change their minds.

Fact: As long as parental rights of the birth parents are terminated legally, they can't try to get the child back. Also, legal adoptions are binding just like any other contract and are upheld in court. The birth parents can change their minds before adoption is finalized. But, once the adoption is final, only 1-5% of these adoptions are reversed. It is extremely rare for biological parents to get their rights returned once they've been terminated.

2. If you want a baby, you need to adopt outside the US.

Fact: International adoption is seen as a quick way to adopt an infant. If you would like to adopt a baby, you may have heard that it can take years to adopt domestically. This is not the case. 18,000 families domestically adopt a baby every year. Also, the average time to adopt domestically is only about two years. There are no huge waiting lists, and it is not a difficult process.

3. It's difficult to find a licensed adoption agency.

Fact: It's easier than it seems to find reputable, licensed adoption agencies. Often, you can consult a family lawyer to help you find a legal agency. You can even consult your state's DHHS office to receive a list of licensed adoption agencies in your state. Looking for an agency doesn't have to be a long, difficult process.

4. Open adoptions are harmful for the child and birth parents.

Fact: There is a misconception that open adoption is emotionally harmful to the child or the birth parents. This is not the case. Children who were adopted openly cope better with their adoptions than children who were part of closed adoptions. They also feel a stronger sense of security. Having an open adoption allows the birth parents to feel more secure in their decision and feel that they made the right choice. Also, open adoption does not mean co-parenting. Birth parents are not involved in parenting beyond what adoptive parents allow.

5. Adopted families don't get support after the adoption is final.

Fact: If you adopt a child from foster care, you can be eligible for state and federal assistance. This assistance includes subsidies that help you with the cost of raising your child. You may also qualify for medical assistance. Also, if you adopted through an agency, many agencies offer support through therapy as well as meeting with others who have adopted. Some adoption agencies also offer parenting classes. The most important thing to remember when you adopt is that you will not be alone in any aspect of the process, even afterward.

Now that you can separate myth from fact, you can be informed about the adoption process and decide if it's right for you and your family. For more information, click this hyperlink.