Preparing for the arrival of an adopted child

As an adopter-in-waiting, you can get in touch with those who are in the same situation to exchange ideas, get advice, and find support for your waiting period and at different stages of the adoption process. By participating in peer activities, you can build your own trusted network and gain more experience for your future life as an adopter.

Read more about the national activities of Adoptioperheet ry (in Finnish).Opens in a new window. You can also chat with other adoptive families and adopters-in-waiting in the peer chat service provided by Adoptionperheet ry (in Finnish)Opens in a new window..

The waiting periods in the adoption process can also be challenging for a relationship. It is important to discuss your emotions and thoughts with your partner. If necessary, you can seek professional help. Free, low-threshold assistance is available from various organisations, such as the Family Federation of Finland and the Family Federation of Finland's Parisuhdekeskus Kataja.

Adoption service providers organise various training and information events that you should consider participating in. These events include country-specific information events or coaching on preparing for your adoptive parenthood.

• Read more about Interpedia ry’s events (in Finnish).Opens in a new window.
• Adoption training courses arranged by All Our Children (in Finnish).Opens in a new window.

When you are given the so-called child proposal, i.e. you are informed that an adoptee has been appointed for you, it is time to prepare for your adoption trip. The time from the child proposal to the adoption trip varies from a few days in domestic adoption to weeks or months in intercountry adoption, depending on the destination country.

In intercountry adoption, you must book the tickets and accommodation yourself. You can prepare for the adoption trip by, for example, writing a list of things you will need and studying the customs and culture of your destination country. You will receive instructions and advice for the adoption trip from your adoption service provider, and you will also be assisted by local partners or contact persons in your country of destination. 

Read more about bringing a child home (in Finnish).Opens in a new window.

Your wellbeing services county’s maternity and child health clinic services also provide support to adopters-in-waiting.

The child health clinic can support you in matters related to parenthood and relationships as well as raising and looking after your child. You can also receive help for planning your adoption trip and information on the basic supplies and medicines your child will need.

Book an appointment at your local child health clinic through the social welfare and health care services of your wellbeing services county.

If you are in an employment relationship during the adoption process, you must inform your employer that you will have a child at least two months before the start of your family leave, if possible. Sometimes, however, you will need to embark on your adoption trip with only a few weeks’ notice. When you are informed that a child has been appointed for you, notify your employer immediately. Your employer must grant your family leave, even if you cannot give your notice before the customary two-month notice period.

Read more about the leaves and benefits for families with children.