If you take only one thing away from reading this blog, I hope that it will be that before you set out to adopt transracially that you research, research, research. Today in my Transracial Adoption ABCs, "R" is for research.

Research - Often times, deciding to adopt is a process. Sometimes it comes after a struggle with infertility. Sometimes it is something that the parents "have always wanted to do". Sometimes it is something one parent really wants to do and the other parent is reluctant about for some time.

No matter what brings parents to the decision that they want to adopt, and no matter if it was a short or long process to make that decision, often once the decision is made, they want to jump right in and get started.

However, the wise thing to do is to spend some time doing research before starting the process.

A lot of time and thought should be put into the decision to adopt transracially. It is not as simple as adoptive parents deciding that they could love a black child or an Asian child. There are many questions that parents should ask themselves.

Once the decision to pursue transracial adoption is made, there are many choices to be made.

What age/gender child do we hope to adopt?

Should we adopt domestically or internationally?

If internationally, what country do we want to adopt from?

What agency is right for us?

These questions are not ones to be answered quickly and without research. If you want to adopt an older child, have you learned about the challenges of older child adoption? Have you prepared for the issues older adopted children may experience?

If you have chosen to adopt domestically, have you looked into the adoption laws of your state? Have you given a lot of thought and done some research on open adoption and the benefits and challenges? Have you prepared yourself for the risks involved in domestic adoption?

If you have chosen to adopt internationally, have you carefully chosen an adoption program? Have you researched the criteria for adoptive parents? Have you educated yourself on the adoption laws of that country? Do you have an understanding of the process?

With any adoption, have you spent some time educating yourself about adoption terms, steps in the process and issues involved?

For all adoptions, choosing an agency is one of the most important decisions you will make. The right agency will be ethical. The right agency will be experienced. The right agency won't have rules or policies that prohibit you from adopting the child that you hope to adopt (in regards to age, gender or special needs).

Choosing an agency because you know someone who used them and were happy is not a good way to choose an agency. (It is a good place to start your research, but not a good way to make a decision). Choosing an agency because they have the shiniest information package or the flashiest website is not a good way to choose an agency. Choosing an agency because you call and talk to one person who is super nice and very encouraging is not a good way to choose an agency.

So do your research. Read books. Read blogs. Read websites. Join email groups. Join adoption forums. Talk to other adoptive parents about their experiences. Find out what programs are stable right now. Find out what agencies you should avoid. Educate yourself on bonding, attachment and racial issues. Make yourself an expert.

By going into your adoption prepared and educated, you can lower the risk of bringing home a child you are unprepared to parent. You can lower your risk of being scammed by an unethical agency. You can lower your risk of getting "stuck" in an adoption program that shuts down. You can do your part to ensure that you have the most positive adoption experience possible and that you are prepared for the bumps in the road.

Adoptive parents have countless resources available to them now to aid in making smart adoption choices. Take advantage of those resources. Do your research.