About Adoption

Over 120,000 children are adopted in the United States every year. Roughly half of the families that choose adoption are related to the child in some way, either biologically or by marriage. Adoption laws vary widely from state to state, making the process a labyrinth of red tape and paperwork, particularly for those adopting a child from a foreign country. In the end though, adoption is usually a rewarding experience for all involved.

Types

There are several different ways to adopt a child. The most cost-effective and quickest way is through foster care. A family may foster a child and then choose to adopt him with a minimum of additional cost or paperwork. The most common type of adoption is step-parent adoption, and other family adoptions include relatives, such as grandparents or aunts and uncles. Infant adoptions may take place through public agencies or a private attorney or agency. There is also a method of adoption specific to Native Americans called "Customary Adoption." This type does not necessarily terminate the birth parents' rights, but recognizes the child as a legal charge of the new family.

Time Frame

Because of the complexities of adoption laws in the United States, the time frame required to complete an adoption can vary wildly. Some adoptions, such as those of foster children, may take only a few months to be finalized, while international adoptions can take years to complete. The typical domestic or private adoption of an American child can take six months to a year.

Considerations

When you are deciding whether adoption is right for your family, you need to take into consideration not only the process itself, but the ramifications involved. There are financial, medical, practical, legal and emotional factors to consider. Analyze your situation carefully and take each of these aspects into account in deciding whether you are willing and able to assume the responsibility of adoption.

Benefits

Each member of the adoption triad stands to benefit in different ways. The birth mother often receives housing or other financial assistance, counseling for the emotional aspects of gifting her child to another couple, medical expenses paid and perhaps most positive of all, knowing that she is bringing happiness to a family she has handpicked for her child. The child benefits through adoption by being taken into a stable and loving home, the potential for siblings in the new family as well as access to a better education. The adoptive family receives the gift of being able to raise a child when they might not have been able to do so otherwise. The adoptive couple is also frequently able to go through some of the pregnancy experiences which can be particularly poignant for an infertile couple.

Warning

There is almost always a time period during which the birth mother is legally permitted to change her mind. This period can range from a few days to several months. Families considering adoption should be certain that they will be able to cope emotionally with the possibility of losing a baby and having to start the process all over again.

Resources

• Domestic adoption information
• Adoption.com
• Benefits of adoption