Adoption: Where Do I Start

This article has been written based on research to briefly outline the adoption process. This list is in no way the ultimate list, but it does attempt to give an overview of what one can expect when going about the adoption process. There are different laws, time periods and factors as it pertains to adoption in various countries, states and provinces but, this article summarizes some of what one will encounter when looking to adopt. Those who desire to adopt or are thinking about adopting should do a lot of research based on where they live and what kind of adoption they would like to pursue.

 

1. Research, research, research about adoption:

– the various kinds of adoption

– the various costs of adoption (they vary based on what type of adoption process you choose)

– the adoption process and things you may need to know about and do

– read up about other people’s adoption experiences, blogs and articles, etc.

 

2. Consider hiring an adoption consultant and interview them to find out what they offer

Some will walk you through the entire process while some only offer certain services. Research about what questions to ask them.

There are many benefits of hiring an adoption consultant some of which include:

– they can offer guidance, insights and advice throughout the entire adoption process

– they act as a personal advocate to help you avoid pitfalls and warn you of anything that you need to know

– they can give you more informed financial advice and offer information about specific grants and insights into funding your adoption

– they can provide information on adoption agencies, attorneys and resources

– their advice can shorten the ‘wait’ time

 

3. Decide what kind of adoption:

– would you adopt a baby or older child etc.

– domestic or international etc.

– open or closed adoption (or semi-open) etc.

– adopting through foster care or private adoption etc.

– are you willing to adopt a child with special needs etc.

 

4. Decide what avenue you will take

Will you use an adoption agency, a facilitator, law center or private attorney (it would be wise to research about the differences)?

 

Based on the above decisions and what kind of adoption you have chosen, you will then have a process to follow until the adoption process is completed. The steps below are possible steps you will take based on what path you have chosen.

 

5. The application and paperwork

After choosing the adoption professional or agency, you will go through the application process and paperwork to ensure that you meet all of the requirements in order to start the adoption process.

 

6. Your adoption plan and profile

You will go about creating your adoption plan and creating your adoptive parent’s profile (which will eventually be shown to potential birth mothers or parents).

 

7. Get ready for your home study

The home study will include further education to prepare you for the adoption. It will also involve a social worker doing a thorough evaluation to ensure that your family and environment is suitable to adopt a child/children. The social worker will visit you at your home and interview you and any family members who live in the home. They will gather a lot of background information including information about your past, family, relationships, employment status, finances, etc.

 

8. The Agency will then seek a match

The Agency will then seek a match with a birth mom/parents (if you are adopting a newborn) and they will give you a file if a match is found. If you are adopting an older child, you may be able to view a list of ‘waiting’ children.

 

9. Final home preparations

If you are adopting an infant and both you and the birth mom/parents decide to go ahead, then you will start to prepare your home and do all that is required to make your home safe for a baby. If you are approved to adopt an older child, you will also start to prepare your home for their arrival.

 

10. Bringing them home

If you are adopting an older child, you will most likely take the child home and become their custodian for about six months before finalizing the adoption at the courthouse (based on where you live). If you are adopting an infant/newborn you will be notified when the mother is going to deliver and based on the arrangement that you have made with the mother, you will either be notified when the baby is born or notified when to come to the hospital for the delivery. You will then bring the baby home, and your adoption professional will begin the process of petitioning for your adoption.

 

11. The finalization of your adoption process

A particular date will then be set for when you can go to the courthouse and have the final papers of adoption signed. A finalization hearing usually occurs within 6 to 12 months after the child is placed in the home (again based on where one lives). The proceeding includes you (the person or parents adopting), your adopted child/children or baby/babies, your family’s lawyer, and in the case of an older child, the social worker who was assigned to the child. At this hearing, the papers are signed giving the adopted person/parent/s permanent legal custody of the child/baby.

 

You are now considered a ‘forever family’.