How to Sign Up for Matching Assistance

Sign up here

Read the disclaimer and electronically sign,
click “Agree.” 

Once have created your account, you will come to a screen titled “Family Home Page.”

On this page there are four sections for you to choose from. Begin with the first and work your way through the steps. Start creating your profile.

Section One:On the Family Home Page, the first section pertains to your family profile and your home study. In this section you can update your family profile at any time, and you may also upload or transfer your home study to your profile. If we do not have your home study on file, you may request that your adoption worker upload it.

Section Two:In the second section, you will find all the necessary tools to create a Family Biography, also known as a Family Narrative. There is a how-to video on what to include in your biography, a link to upload a thumbnail photo, and a link to write your family biography.

Do not include personal information like addresses, social security numbers or phone numbers.

The following outlines the steps to take to upload a photo and write a biography:

• Select a style for the biography
• Your family biography should include one or more photographs. Upload perhaps a half-dozen photos of yourselves, your home, and your lives. Make sure your photos are clear and crisp. Photos are reduced in size, so choose photos which are not too detailed! These photographs should not be taken at a distance. Avoid pictures where people are wearing hats or sunglasses, and ones that are taken in black and white or sepia. Display pictures that show your family, your interests and hobbies. They should be of only you and the people in your household. This is not the place to include pictures of extended family. We suggest including the following pictures in your biography:
  • A couple clear, close up, pictures of you and the people in your household (partner, kids)
  • A picture of your house/yard
  • A picture of the child's future room
  • A picture of the pet(s) in your house
  • Make sure they are clear and appropriate.
  • Avoid using blurry, or black and white photos.
• Fill-in-the-blanks with the biography: You should provide a statement that is prominently featured about the child/ren whom you believe you can welcome into your hearts and home and whom you believe you can parent well. Include any additional training and experience your family has pertaining to the children. Your family biography should contain the following elements:
  • Introduction: Follow the prompt "Tell us about yourself and what is important in your life". Include information on your hobbies, activities you partake in, and what you do for a living. Many adoption professionals state that personality is the most important area on which to focus in determining a good fit between children and familiesKeep in mind that common interests are often a bridge to developing a relationship with a child, so include activities that you and a child would enjoy.
  • Child Preferences: Include some general information on your child preferences. If you're seeking to adopt a child of a different ethnicity, talk about how you will honor your child's heritage and make them feel welcome in your home and community. In addition, briefly mention the type of contact you are willing to have with the child's biological and foster family. Keep in mind that some level of contact might be necessary between the child and their previous family.
  • Home and Community: Briefly describe your home and community. Include some information on activities in your area that a child would want to partake in. Briefly talk about the schools in your area, and talk about your childcare plans if your child is not school-age. Keep in mind that caseworkers are not keen on daycare, so explore some alternatives.
  • Parenting Experience/Trainings: Write about your parenting experiences, and the strengths you and your family bring to the table. Include some information on the trainings you have partaken in, above and beyond the standard foster parent training. You want the caseworker to know that you are familiar and well-equipped to handle the challenges that will come your way.
  • Support: Write about your support system. This support can come from family members, friends, or organizations in your community. This is especially important for single parents. If you're seeking to adopt a child of a different race or gender, mention family members, friends or community organizations that could serve as a role model for your child.
  • Motivation to Adopt: Write about your commitment to the child/children you are seeking to adopt, and that you will not give up on them, despite the challenges that will come your way. Caseworkers want to know that you will love and care for this child forever, no matter what.
• VIEW what you have written as combined by your browser with the pictures. Take some time to compose your profile and biography and review it with friends or trusted family members. Ask your adoption worker to review and ask for advice and suggestions. It is also important to edit your family biography to avoid spelling and grammar mistakes.
  
• Upload the Family Thumbnail Photo. This is the picture a caseworker will see first and is extremely important! A portrait style photo works well here.
• Grant permission for display on the Internet (optional). You may grant us permission to display your Family Biography on our Waiting Families page. By doing so you will allow more caseworkers to see your profile, and express interest in your family. In addition, this will allow us to feature your family biography in our weekly Feature Family recruitment email. This email is sent out to thousands of caseworkers across the country, and gives them the opportunity to review syour biography and profile and send us child profiles that they think would be a good match for your family. By allowing us to display your biography on our site, you will increase your chances of being matched.
• Upload Family Video(optional):The Family Video is about 3-8 minutes long, and provides a brief introduction to the caseworker about your family your home, and lifestyle. It provides an intimate way for you to communicate why you want to adopt, share the love that you have to offer, and express how a child would change your life. You may watch a sample family video here.

Section Three:In the third section of the Family Home Page you will find the link to request membership activation. Once you are finished with your family biography, pictures and video if you have one, and your home study is uploaded, request activation. Once this is completed, you will have instant access to the additional child listings. To request activation, click the link that reads The Family Profile, Biography and Home Study are Finished. Request Activation. Your membership will be activated in 3-5 business days.

Section Four: In the fourth and final section you will find links to submit for children listed on our site, submit for children listed on other photo listing sites, and a link to view your submissions on children.