- If you think you might be interested in adopting a child, the first place to start is the Child Welfare Information Gateway. This service of the federal government compiles all the laws and policies governing adoption, with which you should become familiar. It also provides the names and contact information for public and licensed private adoption agencies in each state. Finding a reputable adoption agency is a crucial early step in most adoptions, since it helps prospective parents find children. If you choose to use an adoption attorney or facilitator, or to do the work yourself, understanding the state and federal (or international, if applicable) adoption laws is even more important. The early part of the adoption process is about discovering your options. Generally it is more difficult to adopt an infant than an older child, and there could be elements of your personal situation that make you either a more or less likely candidate for adoption.
- After filling out a basic adoption agency application, the next step is called home study. This is a period of time in which the adoption agency (or a representative of a particular child) gathers information about you as a potential adoptive parent. You also will receive additional information to help you decide if adoption is really for you, and what type of child you'd like to adopt. The process involves interviews, background checks and a medical review, as well as income, educational and autobiographical statements. A profile of your family background, experience with children, and daily routines, developed over the course of three to six months or more, helps the adoption agency protect children by disqualifying applicants not fit for adoption. There is usually a cost associated with home study, anywhere from a few hundred to a several thousand dollars.
- At the end of home study, if the adoption is still proceeding, you will be matched with a child (or children) that fits your profile. You will likely be observed with the child and have to undergo some parental counseling. If all goes well, you can decide to adopt the child. Ultimately, however, the transfer of parental rights and responsibilities is the work of a family law judge. A petition must be filed in your local state court if adopting a child in the U.S. The judge must be convinced the biological parents understand they are terminating their parental rights by putting the child up for adoption. The judge will review the results of the home study and counseling processes, and she will hear testimony from any case workers familiar with the child and parents. If the judge decides to grant the adoption, she will issue an adoption decree as well as orders changing the child's name and amending their birth certificate to reflect their new parents.
Comments
lordjeffrey said
on 7/10/2009 My wife and I are considering adopting. But ugh, there's just so much red tape and government hassle involved. I get it, they are trying to protect the child, but if it keeps potential good parents from holding off - perhaps indefinitely - then is that a good thing or a bad thing?