Tips for Using the Internet to Adopt

Do your homework. Online groups offer supportive places to raise questions, share successes, and rejoice with others.
Develop a personal Web site that reflects your family. Describe in detail the qualities that make your family special. Make sure that family photos are close-up enough to see your eyes.
Find a good adoption Web site. Post your family's resume with a reputable posting site. Find out exactly which services adoption sites provide and how much they cost. Be wary of guarantees that you'll find a birthmother within a certain amount of time.
Protect your privacy. Don't list your employer, salary, home or work phone numbers, or your address online.
Hire an experienced adoption lawyer or agency. Professionals can alert you to potential problems or scams. Use an adoption professional to screen birthmother inquiries. Be wary of those who send a number of e-mails but give you no way to reach them other than by e-mail. Demands for payment or a quick decision are a red flag.