Child adoption is defined as the legal transfer of parental rights from one parent to another. It is a life-changing occurrence for every party involved: the child, and birth and adoptive parents. The actual transfer of the child occurs following a long process of preparation.
Types
According to Adopt.org, several different types of adoption possibilities are available. The first option is domestic versus international adoption. Domestic adoption involves adopting a child from somewhere in the United States. International adoption refers to the adoption of a child who was born outside the United States who you would bring to live with you in the United States. There are also open versus closed adoptions. An open adoption allows the adopted child to associate with her birth parents while being raised by adopted ones, whereas a closed adoption does not allow any contact between the birth parents and the adopted child.
Identification
Child adoption occurs either independently or through a public or private adoption agency. A private adoption involves an intermediary party, such as a physician, lawyer or other kind of facilitator instead of a licensed adoption agency. Independent adoptions usually involve infants who are thought to be healthy and do not include counseling. Independent adoptions are not legal in all states.
Features
The adoption process involves a home study, which is a series of meetings with prospective parents and agency social workers. Child adoption requires that prospective parents provide birth certificates, child abuse clearances, a marriage license and personal references. Additional features of the process include searching for a child, adolescent or sibling group (after the home study is completed), exchanging information with the parties involved with the child you are interested in adopting and visiting these children.
Time Frame
According to AdoptionAssistance.com, it is difficult to predict how long adoptions will take to complete. The site states that the average wait time for a healthy, Caucasian newborn baby is between 3 to 6 years. International adoption usually occurs within 4 to 12 months. Families who already have biological children often have to wait longer, as birth mothers often select couples who do not already have children.
Considerations
People interested in adopting children can take adoption preparation courses through hospitals, religious groups or hospitals. Adoption support groups are also available at these locations. Prospective adoptive parents should also find information about the state laws regarding adoptions in the state you are interested in adopting from or the country laws where the adoption will take place. This can help prevent delays and misunderstandings during the adoption procedure.
