Can I solicit a baby for adoption

[Karenanne123]

In order to circumvent the lengthy process of going through the county and because private adoption is too costly, I was wondering if I can hand out cards that have my name and phone number on it, stating that I am looking for a baby to adopt. If they know of someone, please have them call me. Is this legal?

[FRXL]

I can't say if it's legal to advertise that you want to adopt. I'm sure it wouldn't go unnoticed by your local authorities. It probably depends on how you did it, but I wouldn't consider doing it at all. You're more likely to be set upon by snakes and vultures looking to take advantage of you than you are to find a desperate mom willing to hand over her baby to you.

Have you considered adopting a special needs or older child? Both are likely much easier to adopt through normal channels. In fact, states often offer stipends to adoptive parents of such children (although in California you may get only an IOU). You can also consider becoming a foster parent. Many foster parents go on to adopt the children placed with them.

That "lengthy process" you want to avoid is there to protect the child. What message do you send when you try to circumvent it? Check with your church or local social services agency. In any case, I'd avoid handing out cards at the local grocery check-out.