Adoptions Shouldn't Be Such a Hassle

In my last commentary I opined concerning the push to get more evangelicals involved in adopting so as to put our proverbial money where our mouth is concerning our "pro-life" proclamations. If you missed that, you can find it in written form at cripescorner.blogspot.com.

One of the biggest hindrances to more people getting involved in adoptions is the intrusion posed by the government; the exorbitant costs associated with many adoptions and the protracted process and hassles that come with trying to adopt. I do understand that it's not like buying a puppy but if God can knit a baby together in the womb in 9 months we ought to be able to refine the process down from 2-3 years or longer.

Adoptions from states where a child has been involved in foster care is the least expensive but can still cost into the thousands of dollars. The broad average for all types of adoptions is $5000-$10,000 but can run up to $30,000 and more for adoptions of children from other countries.

The cost is not the only deterrent, especially for a people of faith. Home studies are required to make sure children are being placed in to a "good" home. The problem today is that a "good" home is defined more and more by those on the left end of the ideological spectrum and view religion negatively.

Currently, I know a Christian family going through the process; the home study was positively offensive. "What would you do if your child grows up to be gay?" The investigator asked? (Personally I would have asked the examiner what she would do if her child grew up to be a conservative Christian?)

She went on; "You wouldn't divorce your wife under any circumstances? What if she molested your children?"

After explaining their commitment to a Biblical frame of reference as their guide for life, they had to endure a 45 minute lecture on how the Bible is archaic, passé and obsolete and that they needed to be open to more modern ways of looking at life. (I wonder if water-boarding is next…) They still don't know if they "passed" the inquisition.

Throw on top of all that, all the proscriptions regarding parenting and you have plenty of reason why more evangelicals don't adopt. I promise you it will only get worse.