- What exactly is an adoption profile?
- We submitted our profile quite a while ago, and we thought it was
pretty good. Why haven't we been called? - What are some ways to increase the likelihood of getting picked?
- What if I want help?
- Who is BestLight?
- What qualifies BestLight to do these reviews?
- So do you just spiff up our profile like a slick ad campaign?
- What can I expect when I decide to have a review?
- How much do a review and recommendations cost?
What exactly is an adoption profile?
The adoption profile is a "resumé" of an adopting couple, usually 4-12 pages. It greets expectant parents who are considering adoption, gives some facts about yourselves, and shows in words and photos who you are. It is usually placed in an agency's "Book" along with profiles from other waiting couples, or strategically placed by a waiting couple or an attorney/facilitator. The profile can contain letters from each hopeful parent, answers to questions posed by the agency/facilitator on the expectant parents' behalf, and photos detailing your lives.
We submitted our profile quite a while ago, and we thought it was pretty good. Why haven't we been called?
In adoption, most variables are out of our control. One factor that is within our control is the profile. If your profile isn't getting the results you desire, take a fresh look at it and brainstorm ways to make it even more appealing.
What are some ways to increase the likelihood of getting picked?
Please see 10 Tips to Reduce Your Wait for a do-it-yourself profile makeover. Or, get a review and recommendations from an adoption profile expert. Click here for more information.
BestLight Adoption Profiles assists you by looking at your profile with a fresh eye and providing recommendations. Email Lori Dowd at: lori@ProfilesThatGetPicked.com or call (303) 437-6614 with questions or to get started. BestLight also offers Do-It-Yourself Profile Makeover Workshops in Colorado.
I am Lori Dowd, founder and principal of BestLight Adoption Profile Review. I have been through the adoption process twice and live with my husband and two children in Denver, CO. Previously, I worked in the field of Adult Continuing Education, designing courses and attracting students to them.
What qualifies you to do these reviews?
Two things. First, I've been there, and second, I've researched what attracts and what repels for expectant parents as they select among several profiles.
In the spring of 2001, my husband and I submitted our profile to Lutheran Family Services of Colorado. Exactly one week later, we got the call that eventually brought our beautiful daughter to our lives. We submitted our second profile in the fall of 2002, and by winter, our very handsome son joined our family. We enjoy close relationships with both of our children’s firstmothers.
Through much networking, I have talked with many firstparents and adoptive couples to find commonalities in successful profiles. I can review your profile with these themes in mind and help you resolve issues that are preventing your profile from rising to the top of the pile.
So do you just spiff up our profile like a slick ad campaign?
No. Firstparents are repelled by "slick." Nor is this an attempt to change who you are and portray you as something you're not.
All we do is help you show yourselves in your best light. Sometimes it takes an outsider to help you do this.
What can I expect when I decide to have a review?
You send BestLight, either by email or by snail mail:
- Your profile
- Your agency's website or brochure
- A list of other places your profile is posted (if any)
- History of your profile (when submitted, any activity)
We will also briefly interview you by phone or email.
Within seven business days after we receive your profile, BestLight sends you a list of recommendations and alerts based on these criteria: visual appeal, distinctiveness, tone, and red flags. Specific ideas and verbiage to help you clearly present yourselves are included.
We are available to talk with you as you incorporate recommendations into your revised profile. And we love it if you notify us when you get The Call -- we enjoy happy stories!
How much do a review and recommendations cost?
The fee is $249, which may be applied toward the IRS's Adoption Tax Credit.
Payment by check is requested at the time you submit your profile.
Please confirm with your CPA or tax preparer.
Sliding scale is available. Please inquire.