In The Beginning: Blackbelt Paper-Pushing

I have a confession to make: I am a woman possessed when I am in the midst of an adoption. I move through paperwork like lightening, and forgive my cockyness, but I am pretty darned good at it. Here are my best tips for keeping that paperwork moving.

Who Cares Most?

First of all, remember that YOU are the person who cares most about your adoption. Always. No matter how well intentioned people are, it is YOU who will have to keep your adoption paperwork on the front burner in people’s minds.

Make The Human Connection

At each point in the paperwork-gathering, try to make a personal connection with the actual person who needs to sign that paper. Call ahead and find out the person’s name and which days they work. Then go in person if possible. Be willing to wait til that person becomes available.

If you cannot travel there, speak directly with the person on the telephone. If you get a machine, leave a detailed message, and call back EVERY DAY until you get hold of a human. (Helpful hint: Sometimes you can get out of answering machine purgatory by dialing zero– many businesses use this as their default option to reach the switchboard.)

Remind People It’s About A Child

When you’re talking with someone about necessary paperwork, say, “I really need… Can you help me? I’m hoping to have it by…” Mention a date, even if there’s no official deadline, because that encourages people not to just leave it languishing on a desktop. And ALWAYS find out if it is possible to simply wait right there to have the paper signed that very day.

Always smile. Be friendly. Mention your child and how eager you are to get him or her home. Once you get your referral, attach your child’s photo to the top of all paperwork that goes anywhere. Help them remember that there is a child in an orphanage, waiting. Don’t be overly melodramatic, but make them aware of the importance of this. People are usually very willing to help once they realize that THEIR little bit of paper is essential in moving your adoption forward.

Pay Attention To Details

Make sure you have all the specifications for each document before you rush to get it. And then make sure every detail is correct: names spelled correctly, dates right, signatures in ink (not photocopied) and notaries done as needed. Also make sure your notary’s commission is not about to expire, as that will kick paperwork back to you.

Pay attention to every detail. Your adoption agency will thank you, and your process will go much more quickly if you do not have to have things redone.

Fedex Is Your Friend!

Overnight everything! Just this one tip alone can literally shave weeks off your processing time. Yes, it is expensive. But, really, in comparison to the total fees you’re paying to adopt, it is a small percentage. And I for one am willing to pay a few hundred dollars to get my child out of the orphanage and into my arms a few weeks sooner.

Finally, remember to thank people profusely when they have helped you out. This gives them a good feeling that hopefully will linger until the next family comes along (or when you need them for your next adoption!)

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