Baby Adoption Process
There are several options when it comes to adopting a baby. You can adopt a baby locally through domestic adoption, a process which involves finding a baby who is born in the United States and available for adoption. You can also choose to adopt a baby through international adoption, which usually requires that potential parents travel at least once to a foreign country to pick up the adopted baby.
Deciding on Type of Adoption
The parents will need to decide whether to adopt domestically or internationally. Both processes have pros and cons. Domestic adoption allows parents to request a newborn baby. In most cases, the birth mother chooses the adoptive parents, so the time line can be unpredictable. Adoptive parents also run the risk of losing their referral after the mother-to-be gives birth. The birth mother might change her mind at the last minute, and the process will have to start all over.
International adoptions usually involve slightly older babies. Each country has different rules and requirements about the age of the parents, marital status, age of infant adopted and income guidelines. You'll need to discuss the effect of adopting a child from another nationality and the effect that will have on family members and friends. Educate yourself so you can in turn educate others who don't understand your desire to adopt internationally. Some countries give the referral and then start the waiting process. Other countries don't give the referral until right before the parents fly over to finalize the adoption. The time line can be unpredictable with international adoption, too, since the adoption takes place between two different countries.
Choosing an Adoption Agency
Find an adoption agency that specializes in the type of adoption you've chosen. Some agencies only deal with adoptions in one specific country. Others offer options in several different countries. This is beneficial when one country closes to adoption and the agency can switch your application to another country with a few changes to the home study and paperwork. Still other agencies specialize in domestic adoption or a combination of domestic and international adoption. Request adoption packets from each agency you're interested in and carefully read over the guidelines. Ask for references from others who have used the adoption agency.
Home Study
The home study involves several visits with a licensed social worker. Some agencies have their own social workers, while others allow you to choose your own. Ask about this before starting the home study process.
The social worker will give the parents a lot of paperwork to fill out. A background check will be ordered for adults living in the house, fingerprints will be taken and financial information will be collected. The social worker will interview the adoptive parents and others who live in the home.
At least one visit will take place in the adoptive parents' home. The social worker will want to make sure the house has room for the adopted child and that the home offers a safe environment. This information will all go into a file that will be sent to the adoption agency.
