Choosing to adopt an infant can be a complex but rewarding process. Depending on the type of adoption, domestic or international, families must go through certain procedures and courses of action to adopt children. Although each adoption is different, there are many similarities among the steps involved in every infant adoption process.
Choosing an Organization
A family that wishes to adopt an infant should begin by exploring the options, and deciding whether they want to adopt domestically or internationally. Depending on the state where the adoption is taking place, a family may use an agency or attorney to facilitate an adoption. The family should fully research the background of each organization that provides services by meeting for a consultation; asking questions about the process; obtaining information about fees; and determining a potential time line for the process.
Home Study
After receiving approval to begin an adoption process, a home study of each prospective family must be done. According to the Child Welfare Information Gateway, prospective adoptive parents from all states and the District of Columbia must complete a home study. The process of a home study may vary between agencies and states, but it is conducted to learn more about the prospective adoptive family and the type of parents they are. Some aspects of a home study include visits to the parents’ home; personal references; financial statements; parent education; and a statement of physical and mental health from a physician.
Child Identification
After completing the home study, a family may receive information about an infant they are eligible to adopt. For domestic adoptions, this may mean being chosen by a birth mother who wishes to place her baby with adoptive parents. Prospective parents may also view photo listings of children or work with a social worker to facilitate the best options. For international adoptions, parents may receive a “match” and be given background information about the baby, such as her health condition or living situation. Paperwork must be submitted by the birth country stating that the child is eligible for adoption in the United States, and the parents can consent to adopt the child.
Child Placement
Adopting a child is an exciting event. Parents adopting internationally may need to travel to their child’s birth country to meet him for the first time. Before traveling, parents must file paperwork with the U.S. immigration office to legally allow the child to enter the country after adoption and become a United States citizen. A domestic adoption may mean meeting the child at birth while the adoptive parents are present for labor and delivery. Some adoptions are arranged by a social worker, and the parents may need to travel to another state to bring a baby home.
Post-Placement
After adoption, post-placement visits may be conducted to show that the baby is in a family that loves her and that she is receiving good care. Post-placement visits demonstrate that the baby is growing well and adjusting to the new environment. A social worker may visit, and more than one visit may be required depending on the state of residence. Post-placement visits are necessary for future adoptions and show the results of infant adoption in a positive manner.
