This may be our most asked question. The answer is that it really just depends on many factors. We have had a match within 24 hours of the signing of a contract up to two years. On average, once your profile is submitted at Lifetime, a match is generally made within six to 18 months.
This process can be faster for bi-racial and African American families. We often have birth mothers who prefer an African American or bi-racial family to adopt their baby or child.
One main determining factor is adoption preferences. The more open you are, in general, the more opportunities will come your way. If you are very limited in terms of race, age, and gender, the fewer birth mothers will view your profile. There are also factors such as substance abuse exposure and geographic area choices that can be limiting. While some of your preferences may prolong your adoption journey, it is still important that you truly search your heart for what is important to you. If it is important to you to adopt an African American or bi-racial baby, then you do need to share that information with your adoption coordinator.
Another factor is the quality of your profile. The important factor is to develop a profile that truly represents you and the amazing parents you will be. The adoption trek is not always easy, but your dream of growing your family makes it well worth it. Put the work and your heart into your profile. A birth mother will see the love and truthfulness come across. She is looking for a family that she can connect to, that she feels will suit her baby. This is why it is so important to be yourselves. You never know what a birth mother will connect to. You will have the assistance of an adoption coordinator to help you with your profile, but it is your story to tell.