What is an adoption profile? How do you get started creating a profile? Do you need a website to go with it? What do you include in a profile?
If you are just beginning to look into the domestic infant adoption process, you need to know the answers to these questions. Even if you have already begun, there are tips you can use to make your profile even better.
A profile is something you create to connect with an expectant mother. It usually consists of a letter to her along with pictures describing your life as a couple/family.
Parts of the letter can (and should) include:
An Introduction – one or two sentences about you and your desire to adopt.
About Us – a paragraph about you as a couple – how you met and what your life is like.
About Each Other – write about your spouse, what is special about them and what they are like/will be like as a mommy or daddy.
About Our Family/Faith – write about family you have that live close – or how they support you in your adoption plans – or about how your faith is important in your life.
Closing – this is a few sentences about what you can provide a child and your promise to a birthmother about how you will raise her baby. You can also thank her for reading about you and ask her to contact you or your adoption professional.
So why are profiles so important? Because every day there are expectant mothers looking online or going to adoption professionals to find an adoptive couple. This means you need a way to introduce yourself.
Your profile is an important way to start that special connection. Profiles can be in the form of a blog, a website, a physical “book” that you put together, or a combination of these.
A Physical “Book” Profile
Putting together a physical profile for expectant mothers to hold in their hands is one way to connect. It lets them see how much time and effort you put into it.
This is a powerful way to show who you are, your family life, and what you can provide a child. A physical profile can be only 10 to 20 pages and consist of a letter you write describing your life as a family and what you can provide for a child.
It also includes lots of pictures and a favorites page. The key here is to be yourself – don’t try and guess what an expectant mother may like or dislike.
An Online Profile
A lot of adoptive families have set up an online profile. This can be an effective way to connect with expectant mothers. By putting information about your desire to adopt on the internet, you are found quicker and easier.
There are sites such as Parentprofiles.com and Little Blessings Adoption Services that will help you design and set up your online profile. Check out the podcast episode where we talk all about online profile sites: Using online profile services with AmericaAdopts! Founder Lawrence Morton
An Adoption Blog
A blog is a website that you can create – usually for free – where you post information about yourself and your desire to adopt. Your personal blog is also where you can share your adoption journey with your friends and family.
This can be a sort of online journal that can help you connect with a prospective birthmom and it will chronicle your life leading up to the day when you bring your baby home. Sign up for your free blog site at WordPress.com or Blogger.com and you’re ready to start.
A Profile Video
In my experience, videos are the secret ingredient for reaching out and connecting with an expectant mother. My wife and I have adopted three times – and our video made a HUGE difference in every one of them because our kids’ birthparents could see and hear us, which set us apart from so many other families.
Videos are easier than ever to create, edit, share, and especially watch – on the internet from your phone, tablet, or computer. This means women who are considering adoption for their baby can learn more about you faster when they watch your profile video.
Find out how to create and share your video with these resources:
How To Make A Great Adoption Profile Video (in 5 simple steps)
AdoptionProfileVideo.com – my site that teaches you how to make and share a great profile video that will help you adopt faster!
More profile resources:
Profile designers:
OurJourneyToYouAdoption.com
ForeverFamilyDesigns.com
Additional articles about profiles:
3 Ways to improve your domestic adoption profile
How to make and share your Adoption Profile online (and stand out among the crowd)
5 Tips For Making Your Adoption Portfolio/Profile Unique
Do you have more questions about domestic adoption profiles? Leave a comment below or email me – I’ll find the answer for you.
