Autobiography Guidelines

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An autobiography will enable us to get to know you better.  Please type brief answers to the following questions.  It is best for each applicant to prepare his/her autobiography, and it should be approximately 3 pages.

1.  Childhood: What was your family life like?  Describe your parents' marriage, and their relationships with the children.  How was discipline handled?  How were problems handled?  What were you like as a child in regard to personality, school, activities, and friends?

2.  Adolescence: Describe your experiences with school and activities.  Describe your social life and peer relationships.  What was your relationship with your parents like as you grew into adulthood?  How did you feel about yourself during this time?  Who were important influences in your life? Describe any major events which affected you either in a positive or negative way?

3.  Adulthood: When and how did you leave home?  Describe your choice regarding education and/or careers. Describe your job jistory.  Describe important events (positive or negative) which have occurred.  What are your current interests?  What are your relationships like with friends and family members?  Describe your present personality, including strengths and weaknesses.

4.  Marriage/Partnership:  If you are single, please address only applicable questions in this section.  When and how did you meet your spouse/partner?  What characteristics attracted you?  What makes your relationship a successful one?  What have been the challenges you have faced together?  If you have been separated or involved in counseling, please describe what led to this, and how it has helped.  If you have been married previously, describe the reason and effect of divorce on you.  How do previous relationships affect present or future decisions?  How do you and your mate deal with conflicts?  Is there anything you would like to change about your mate?

5.  Parenting:  How did you decide that you would like to adopt?  What do you want to accomplish as a parent?  What will you do differently and/or the same as your parents?  What are your thoughts about discipline?  What will you tell your child, and others, about adoption?  What are your thoughts about the birth parents who relinquish their children for adoption?

6. Adoption: What experiences have you had with adoption to date, specifically yourself, or a close family member? Please describe.