The home study process can sound intimidating…collecting allthe needed documents, having an in-person interview & house visit, and obtaining physicals and references. Today we are joined by caseworker Molly Childs, with 24 years of experience in the adoption & foster social work field (andcurrently working for Caring Adoption Associates of Pennsylvania). Molly sheds light on the process, both the reasoning behind the process and taking the mystery out of what you need to do to prepare your documentation & yourhome. Your caseworker isn’t seeking to “pass or fail” you…they are helping you on your journey to parenthood!

Welcome to the Adoption Side By Side Podcast - because noone should have to walk the adoption journey alone! We are so glad you're here! <3 ~Steph & Andrea

Find us on Instagram at @adoptionsidebyside.

Our intro and outro music is from the creators at TuneTank -

Track: On The Way Home by Evan Splash

https://tunetank.com/track/425-on-the-way-home/

We are joined by a special guest, Sarah, who made thecourageous decision to place her son for adoption. Sarah shares what open adoption looks like from the perspective of a birth mother, highlighting both the positive and difficult moments. We invite you to check out Sarah’s Instagram account, FirstMotherWrites, where she documents her own journey and provides insight through the eyes of someone profoundly impacted by adoption.

Welcome to the Adoption Side By Side Podcast - because no one should have to walk the adoption journey alone! We are so glad you're here! <3 ~Steph & Andrea

Find us on Instagram at @adoptionsidebyside.

Our intro and outro music is from the creators at TuneTank -

Track: On The Way Home by Evan Splash

https://tunetank.com/track/425-on-the-way-home/

Welcome to the Adoption Side By Side Podcast - because noone should have to walk the adoption journey alone!

In today's episode, we discuss the financial aspect of privateinfant adoption…including answering a question we are commonly asked: WHY is adoption so expensive? We then share our tips and experiences on how to fund aprivate adoption, covering three major categories: your own earnings/savings, fundraising, and grants.

We are so glad you're here! <3 ~Steph & Andrea

Find us on Instagram at @adoptionsidebyside.

Our intro and outro music is from the creators at TuneTank -

Track: On The Way Home by Evan Splash

https://tunetank.com/track/425-on-the-way-home/

Welcome to the Adoption Side By Side Podcast - because noone should have to walk the adoption journey alone!

In today's episode, guest Bre Starks joins us to talk about herrole as an adoption consultant and to answer questions such as:
What is the difference between open, semi open, and closed adoption?
How does choosing a consultant group differ from signing up with an adoption agency?
How many adoptive families do you work with at one time, and how many cases do those families receive?
And more!

Bre works for Journey Adoption Consultants. To learn moreabout their services, visit their webpage at https://journeyadoptionconsultants.com or follow them on Instagram.

We are so glad you're here! <3 ~Steph & Andrea

Find us on Instagram at @adoptionsidebyside.

Our intro and outro music is from the creators at TuneTank -

Track: On The Way Home by Evan Splash

https://tunetank.com/track/425-on-the-way-home/

Welcome to the Adoption Side By Side Podcast - because no one should have to walk the adoption journey alone!

In today's episode, Andrea will discuss how domestic infant adoption impacted her journey to motherhood and what that process looked like from start to finish. Join us for another personal adoption story that we hope brings encouragement to your family!

We are so glad you're here! <3 ~Steph & Andrea

Find us on Instagram at @adoptionsidebyside.

Our intro and outro music is from the creators at TuneTank -

Track: On The Way Home by Evan Splash

https://tunetank.com/track/425-on-the-way-home/

Welcome to the Adoption Side By Side Podcast - because no one should have to walk the adoption journey alone!

In today's episode, Steph will share the story of what the adoption process looked like for her family. Join us as she shares the highs and lows throughout her own personal journey that led to this household of two becoming three!

We are so glad you're here! <3 ~Steph & Andrea

Find us on Instagram at @adoptionsidebyside.

Our intro and outro music is from the creators at TuneTank -

Track: On The Way Home by Evan Splash

https://tunetank.com/track/425-on-the-way-home/

Welcome to the Adoption Side By Side Podcast - because no one should have to walk the adoption journey alone!

In today's episode, we will introduce ourselves, the podcast creators, and share a brief introduction to our own adoption journeys. We will discuss the hope behind the creation of this space on the Internet, as well as list some topics of future episodes.

We are so glad you're here! <3 ~Steph & Andrea

Find us on Instagram at @adoptionsidebyside.

Our intro and outro music is from the creators at TuneTank -

Track: On The Way Home by Evan Splash

https://tunetank.com/track/425-on-the-way-home/