CREATING YOUR
ADOPTIVE PROFILE
AF 7
What is a PROFILE?
A profile is a collection of photos and information about you and your family. Your profile is
one of the most important parts of the adoption process. It is the document that a
birthmother/parent(s) will view to help her choose an adoptive family. While the creation of a
profile does take effort; the time, care and concern that you invest in the preparation of the
profile will come across to a birth mother.
~Birth mothers have related to us that profiles that are thoughtful, organized, and attractive,
convey to them the sincerity and deep desire of a couple who wishes to adopt.~
SUGGESTIONS
We recommend you use a computer or photo book service to prepare your profile like Shutterfly
or Snapfish. Costco and Wal-Mart also offer photo book services through their photo
department. Print shops, like FedEx/Kinko’s can also help you produce color copies and even
bind them.
Profiles can be handmade, like a scrapbook, but should not be bigger than 8 ½ X 11. Use a font
or handwriting that is easy to read, sometimes cursive is difficult. If you want someone to help
you create your profile there are professional services available, just google “adoption profile
services.”
HOW TO CREATE YOUR PROFILE
Do’s & Don’ts
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DO use more pictures, less
words
DO use various backgrounds and
settings for your pictures.
DO Show pictures of vacations,
holidays, and activities, this way the
birthmother can picture how her
child will grow up.
DO send Heart to Heart 3 – 5
copies of your profile
DO have your profile bound.
(Please no loose pages!)
DO Use recent photographs
DO NOT identify your last
name-use first names only
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DO NOT date your profile
DO NOT identify your
address or phone number(s).
Should you choose to have an
open adoption there will be a
time to discuss this
information.
DO NOT include pictures
where you are drinking
and/or smoking.
DO NOT make them any
bigger than 8 ½ x 11.
Sometimes we need to mail
them to birthmothers who
live out of state.
Heart to Heart Adoptions Inc.~9669 South 700 East, Sandy, UT 84070~ P 801-563-1000~F 801-563-9899
Parts of a PROFILE
Cover page
Use a clear, close-up picture of your family or of you and your spouse. You may want to
include your first names or some sort of title (do not use your last name!).
Birthmother Letter (1-2 PAGES)
Should include but not limited to the following:
 Begin with “Dear Birth Mother”.
 Express gratitude related to the birthmother/parent(s) for their decision to choose
adoption and recognize how difficult this decision must be. Share your positive feelings
about adoption.
 If you have been married or together for a long time, mention that fact. Stability is
important to birth mothers.
 Describe your family along with your family values/belief system.
 Describe extended family and friends, and their support of your decision to adopt.
 Include hobbies, interests, traditions and celebrations and share how the child will be
included.
 Talk briefly about your educational background and your wishes for this child’s education.
Education is very often of major importance to the birth mother.
Information about the adoptive father, mother & family
(1-2 PAGES EACH)
This should include:
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Include close up pictures of you and your spouse. You should be able to see faces and
expressions.
Use short phrases to describe each of you. If you are struggling to find words that
describe your personality, ask your spouse or a close family member or friend to describe
who you are.
Use pictures showing affection, fun and family.
Pictures extended family & friends and with short phrases describing them.
Pictures of your home & neighborhood with short descriptions. If you can, try to take
pictures of your house in the spring or summer time.
Pictures of baby’s nursery (if you have one set up).
Family Picture with Concluding Words (1 page)
This is a short paragraph 3-5 sentences. It can be a promise, commitment and statement
of love for the birthmother/parents and child. This is the last thing she’ll read, so make it
memorable and meaningful.
Heart to Heart Adoptions Inc.~9669 South 700 East, Sandy, UT 84070~ P 801-563-1000~F 801-563-9899
PROFILE LAYOUT
The suggestions given come
from birthmother feedback.
But remember there is no right
or wrong way to put your
profile together. Be creative
and enjoy another part of your
adoption journey!
Heart to Heart Adoptions Inc.~9669 South 700 East, Sandy, UT 84070~ P 801-563-1000~F 801-563-9899