Not every one who seeks infertility treatment will become pregnant and deliver a child, even with today's advanced reproductive technologies. If you have decided to end fertility treatment, you may choose to build a family through adoption.

Considering adoption

Adoptions can be arranged through a public or private agency or independently. Independent adoption usually involves an adoption attorney or other intermediary. Preparation is a very important part of a successful adoption. In forming an adoption plan consider.

• Your reasons for adoption
• The kind of child you want to adopt (race, age, special needs)
• The type of adoption you want to pursue (public or private agency, independent or international), and
• The degree of openness you want in the adoption.

Read all the information you can about adoption agencies, attorneys, support groups, and laws. (See our lists of adoption books and Web links.) Attend seminars and pre-adopt meetings. Talk to those who have already adopted. Adoption costs can vary widely. When consulting an adoption provider, ask for a written statement of all the fees along with an explanation of the costs. Research not only adoption practices and services, but the pre- and post- adoption psychological issues as well.

Qualified adoption therapists in the Bay Area

Making the decision to adopt can be facilitated by consulting an experienced infertility/adoption counselor. These names are from the RESOLVE therapist referral list. This is not a comprehensive list, so inquire about other names as well. The listing of names does not imply the recommendation of any particular therapist or adoption provider.

Jean Benward, LCSW 2723 Crow Canyon Road  #214 San Ramon, CA 94583 (925) 820-9023	Diane Michelsen, JD 3190 Old Tunnel Road Lafayette, CA 94549 (925) 945-1880
Amy Blanchard, Ph.D. San Jose, CA (408) 984-8554	Candace Kunz, MFCC 2243 Mt. Diablo St. Concord, CA 94520 (925) 687-2132
Independent Adoption Center 391 Taylor Blvd Pleasant Hill, CA (925) 827-2229	PACT An Adoption Alliance (specializes in children of color) 3450 Sacramento Street #239 San Francisco, CA 94118 (415) 221-6957
Jewish Family & Children’s Services Adoption Connection 1710 Scott Street San Francisco, CA 94115 (415) 359-2492	Norma Pomerance, MFCC 84 Redwood Ave Corte Madera, CA 94925 (415) 456-6880
Mary Rodocker, Ph.D. 5709 Geary Blvd San Francisco, CA 94121 (415) 282-3786	Lawerence Siegel, JD 100 Drakes Landing #105 Greenbrae, CA 94904 (415) 925-6788

 

Adoption agencies/providers in the Bay Area

You can get referrals for individual adoption agencies/providers from the RESOLVE of Northern California office at 312 Sutter Street, San Francisco, CA 94108. Before choosing an adoption professional, locate and interview several reputable providers. RESOLVE also provides many different kinds of adoption support and information groups. The listing of names does not imply the recommendation of any particular adoption provider or agency.

Adopt International 121 Springdale Way Redwood City, CA 94062 (415) 369-7300	Bay Area Adoption Services 465 Fairchild Drive #215 Mountain View, CA 94043 (415) 964-3800
Adams & Romer, Esq. 220 Montgomery Street San Francisco, CA 94104 (415) 392-3678	Marc Gradstein, Esq. 1204 Burlingame Ave #7 Burlingame, CA 94010 (415) 347-7041
Nancy Hurwitz, Ph.D. 1844 San Miguel Drive #310 Walnut Creek, CA 94596 (925) 938-6600

 

Adoption books

These are some books that may be helpful in learning more about adoption:

• Adopting After Infertility - Patricia Irwin Johnston, Perspectives Press, 1996
• Adopting in America: How to Adopt Within One Year - Randall Hicks, SCB Distributors, 1999

For additional reading suggestions, you can review our Infertility Reading List. You may also wish to contact:

• RESOLVE - (415) 788-6772
• PACT - (415) 221-6957
• Tapestry Books - (800) 765-2367

Further information

For further information about adoption, you can contact:

• Adoptive Families of America. (800) 372-3300, FREE STARTER KIT
• American Academy of Adoption Attorneys. PO Box 33053, Wash D.C. 20033, FREE DIRECTOR
• North American Council on Adoptable Children. (612) 644-0336
• RESOLVE of N. California. (415) 788-6772.