Adoption Profile or Dear Birthmother Letter

A profile or dear birthmother letter is the birthmother's first look at a potential adopting couple. A profile gives the birthparents general information about the adopting couple to help them decide if they are the right family with whom to place their child. The profile will include information about the adopting couple (such as their interests and their family life), some photographs, and a letter addressing the birthmother. Each adoption agency has varying guidelines on how a profile should be created, while some are very specific and others are open to creativity. Adopting parents want their profiles to be friendly and inviting, not overwhelming, since this is birthparents' first impressions of them. Traditionally, profiles are completed on paper, and multiple copies should be made since it may be shown to many potential birthparents. Some couples may choose to post their profiles on the Internet in addition to or instead of on paper for greater exposure.