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Archive for December, 2011

From making the decision to adopt to signing the last piece of paper, adoption is indeed a process. Some people choose to adopt through through foster care. After the child is placed in your home, he or she may become available for adoption if they cannot return home with their mother or father. Others choose to adopt domestically or internationally. If you choose international adoption, the process can take anywhere from one to three years depending on what country you choose to adopt from. If you choose domestic adoption, it can take anywhere from three months to a few years. Whichever way you choose adoption is a special event in the lives of families.
As an adoptive parent you have legal rights when your adoption becomes final.
1. If you are adopting a child in the United States, you should receive all known background information and birth records of the child.
2. You should be informed ahead of time if all information about the birth parents is available.
3. You can also request counseling and advice on which type of adoption is best suited for you.
4. You should expect confidentiality of your personal information not to be disclosed.
5. If you are working with an attorney, you should expect he or she to have experience in adoption cases.
6. Know all the expenses involved up front, such as home study costs, attorney fees, medical care for birth mother.
7. You can find out if the birth parents want to be involved in the child’s life, known as an open adoption. If so, you can ask to meet with them.
There is much to be considered when choosing to adopt. Whether foster care, international adoption, or domestic adoption, make sure and do your research to see which option is best for your family.