TIPS FOR BUILDING A STRONG, AUTHENTIC PROFILE

Here are some practical tips to help your profile resonate:

1. Let your personality come through Don’t create a polished “sales pitch.” Share your story — how you met, what you love doing, what your daily life looks like. This helps birth parents feel like they’re meeting you.
2. Use clear, recent photos of your family Include everyone part of your household. Photos help profile readers get an immediate visual sense of who you are.
3. Mix in candid, “real life” shots Images of your backyard, family outings, game nights, or everyday moments can be more compelling than only polished, posed shots. The real you!
4. Write a heartfelt letter to the birth parent(s) Use a conversational tone. Reading a letter expressing love, gratitude, and hopes for relationship can make all the difference for a birth parent.
5. Be completely honest Don’t omit parts of your beliefs or expectations just because you think they might turn someone away. Hidden or toned-down truths often surface later — honesty lays the foundation for trust.

1. State your openness – including limits Rather than only listing what you will accept (age ranges, health conditions, etc.), consider also being transparent about what you won’t or aren’t prepared for. This helps prevent mismatches.
2. Show your support system Talk about friends, extended family, mentors, community resources, or professionals you plan to lean on. Adoption can require extra help; demonstrating you have that available help builds confidence.
3. Be ready to show how your life can adapt If you say you are open to children with special needs, address how your family would adjust — whether for mobility, medical care, therapy, etc.
4. Keep everything consistent and updated Inconsistencies among your narrative, photos, and form fields can hurt your credibility. When life changes (new child, pet, relocation), update all parts of your profile.
5. Proofread and get feedback Typos or unclear phrasing can distract or create a negative impression. Have someone else read your draft and tell you whether it feels authentic and like you.