Steps to Adoption - General
A Basic Blueprint
My husband and I are in the beginning stage of pursuing adoption. Although we are familiar with various types of adoption...ie, private, agency, international, open, etc., we are not sure where to start. Is there a "how to" publication or source? This is a question we hear often in
chat, at the
forums, and in discussions among those approaching adoption.
The answer is "yes, there are 'how-tos'" and they consist of general guidelines which can apply to any form of adoption, whether domestic or international, and specific regulations for each state and/or country. Regulations and requirements can also vary from agency to agency.
General Guidelines
There are several steps that are common to most types of adoption:
Best Resources:
Sample Forms:
State & Country Specifics
While many of the steps may be common to all types of adoption, it is important to remember that
adoption law differs from state to state and from
country to country.
For example, some agencies dealing with adoptions from Korea have
weight restrictions for adopting parents; states have their own laws covering
relinquishment of parental rights; adoption facilitators can operate in some states and not others; and
post-adoption contact agreements are legally enforceable in some states and not others, to name a few.
These state- and country-specific details are available from your
State Adoption Specialist for state information, and from the
US State Department for individual countries. [Note: While many Web sites reprint information from the US State Department, be sure to check the original source for updates as regulations change frequently.]
Before selecting (or during the selection process) a public or private
agency, facilitator, and/or
attorney for
domestic or
international adoption, be sure to connect with others who have adopted through the same agency, from the same country, or in other ways similar to your own in
Chat rooms, forums, and other community gathering places on the Net, or trhough local
support groups.
Common Sense
Your best judgement and knowledge of your own
capabilities and expectations will help you make the best choice for yourself and your family. Talking to others who have taken these same steps and who offer a wide range of experience is valuable and insightful, but only you can determine the manner in which you adopt. Well-meaning friends, family, and acquaintances may question your choices, and
dealing with others' attitudes and perceptions is going to be a large part of your adoption experience. Follow your heart, and make sure you are completely comfortable with the ethics of the people you work with along the way.
Visit the Adopting Parents Center for complete resources!
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