We are so grateful to all who support the Open Arms Adoptions’ mission of finding families for children. November is National Adoption Month. Did you know over 3,000 children in Ohio’s foster care system are available for adoption? It is so important for us to continue the work of finding families for these children. Learn how you can help.
Readiness looks different for everyone, but some common signs include feeling genuinely curious about adoption, imagining parenthood outside of pregnancy, and noticing that hope is slowly returning. You don’t need to feel fully healed. Emotional readiness is a gradual shift, not a sudden decision.
There is no required waiting period; readiness is personal, not time-based. What matters most is that you’ve had space to grieve and feel genuinely open to exploring a new path. Some families move toward adoption within months; others take years. Both are valid.
It depends on the adoption type, but most finalizations, including joint adoptions, take a few months once paperwork and any required home study are complete. Your attorney or adoption counselor can give you a timeline specific to your situation.
Open Arms Adoptions is 501(c)3 non-profit agency licensed by the State of Ohio.