People decide to adopt for numerous reasons. Some couples are unable to have children of their own. Some people adopt child relatives whose parents cannot care for them. Others just want to provide a loving home to a child in need. Adoption is not an easy process. Prospective parents must follow complex procedures, navigate tough laws and be prepared to deal with the emotional and financial responsibilities that come with adopting a child or teenager.
Types
Adoption procedures can be carried out in multiple ways. Domestic adoption involves adopting a child from their own country and international adoption involves adopting from a foreign country. Also, there is private adoption or an agency adoption. In an agency adoption, the adoption is arranged under the supervision of a formal adoption agency. Private adoptions occur with the aid of an independent intermediary, such as a lawyer. And adoptions are open or closed. In an open adoption, the adopted child maintains contact with the birth parents through phone calls, visits or letters. In a closed adoption, the adopted child has no contact with the birth parents and often receives no information about their background.
Eligibility
Anyone wanting to adopt a child or teenager must meet the established eligibility requirements. Adoptions are granted to people of varying incomes, nationalities, faiths, races and age groups. This includes first-time parents, parents with children, men, women, married couples, single parents, gays, lesbians and people with disabilities. General eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship, proof of marital status (if applicable) and the ability to provide for the child. Most agencies are primarily concerned with placing the child in a stable, healthy environment where they will be happy and safe from abuse or neglect.
Laws
Numerous laws and processes are associated with adoption that exist to ensure the well being of the child. In the United States, adoption laws are set and governed separately by the states. Those pursuing international adoption must abide by the adoption laws of each country. To begin the adoption process, a child's birth parents must officially relinquish their parental rights in a court of law. An adoption is not considered complete until the necessary paperwork is finalized in court. Prospective parents will have to hire an attorney to serve as their legal representative.
Laws for international adoption vary by country. The international adoption process can take anywhere from one to four years. It also requires a more intensive paperwork process. Prospective parents must file an Application for Advance Processing of Orphan Petition, a Petition to Classify Orphan as an Immediate Relative, an Affidavit of Support and an Application for Certificate of Citizenship.
Cost
Unfortunately, adoption is not free. Total costs associated with domestic adoptions can range from $5,000 to more than $70,000, according to the National Adoption Center. Typical costs include legal fees, attorney fees, court costs and fees for filing documents like background checks, birth certificates and adoption decrees. Agency registration fees can run as high as $2,000 and application fees can reach up to $1,000. Attorney and legal fees can range from $1,500 to $9,500 and document authentication fees can range from $100 to $800. International adoptions may involve additional costs unique to a specific country.
Effects
Adoption has a huge impact on the lives of all involved. It naturally takes time for adopted children to adjust to their new home and family, and for everyone to get to know each other. Adoptive parents may struggle with issues like when and if to tell the child that they are adopted. They may be concerned about how that knowledge will affect the child in the future. Some individuals who find out they were adopted feel the need to find their birth parents, while others remain content with their adoptive families.
