When people are not able to have children of their own, biologically, they may resort to child adoption. Also, there may be other people who adopt children who have been neglected or are an orphan, so that they can provide them with a family that is helpful and affectionate. Regardless of the reason behind adoptions, it is not a decision to be taken lightly and needs to be carefully thought about. Read on to get the guideline on what you require during the adoption process.
Are You Ready To Adopt?
When you adopt children, you assume the liabilities for them, which besides giving you legal rights also makes you the legal parent. You are then fully responsible for the emotional and physical well-being of the child. Whether you are a couple or assume such a responsibility as an individual, it makes it incumbent on you to ensure that you’re ready for this. Before you decide, you need also to ensure that you’re financially and mentally capable of bringing up a child.
Children adoption is a procedure that takes a longer period than expected and proves to be discouraging at times. A number of rules and regulations have to be considered. It is a procedure that also proves demanding both mentally and financially. Consequently, you need to get ready to carry on all the hardships that the procedure of adoption pertains.
Research:
The whole adoption process can be confusing and overwhelming unless you are well-informed. There are many informational resources available including adoption agencies, social services, and non-profit organizations. The state can put you in contact with adoption specialists, lawyers, and adoptive parent groups for further assistance.
Child Adoption And the Law:
Every state has its laws governing adoptions. Learn about the ones in your state before you start the process, as well as the ones in the state from which you intend to adopt. This will enable you to see that you comply with laws in both states. If the adoption is from another country than the US, the complications just get aggravated. You will have to look at the laws and rules of the country you are adopting from, as well as ensure that you have complied with those of the state and federal laws in the United States. Knowing the law will allow you to adopt faster and avoid frustration and setbacks. You can consult an attorney that specializes in adoption and family law or a government agency such as child welfare services; they will verse you in your state adoption laws and regulations.
Explore Your Options:
With so many different forms of adoption, you have many options to choose from; would you rather adopt domestically or internationally? An infant, toddler, or older child? What about adopting through social services, the foster care system, or a private adoption agency? Discuss with your partner which alternative works the best for you. You should take note of any and all factors associated with each type of adoption, including the characteristics of a child of a given age, the waiting period for international adoptions, or financial concerns.
Select an Agency:
Adoption can be done in some ways. Find an adoption attorney or look at public and private agencies that do arrange the adoption. In the United States, for instance, it is also possible to look at adopting children through the foster care system.
Depending on which kind of adoption you choose, you must select an agency that specialize in that type of adoption. You can choose a private agency, a government organization (if you are adopting through the foster care system or social services), or an adoption attorney who will work directly with you and the birth mother. Financial constraints may limit your available options; private agencies and attorneys tend to be more expensive than working with a government or non-profit organization. You can request free literature and informational packets from agencies to familiarize yourself with their services. The internet is also a great way to research prospective agencies; most will have a website you can reference. As soon as you have selected, you will probably do some orientations, fill in an application, pay the required legal and registration fees.
The judge’s consent in a court is a must for child adoption to be settled. The judge bases his or her decision on the permission given by the birth parents, and also auditing information about both the child and the prospective adoptive parents. This at times may involve a home study process.
Home Study:
No matter what kind of adoption you choose, you will be required to complete a home study. This entails a social worker visiting your home to assess the environment in which the adoption child will live. The home study may last several months and involve several visits, all depending on the adoption waiting period, the agency you are working with, and your state regulations.
The Placement Process:
The length of the adoption process and estimated waiting period depends on the type of adoption you chose (international or domestic adoption). Most agencies will allow pre-placement visits, which means you can visit with the child before they are officially placed on you.
Finalize:
An adoption is never complete until legally decreed by court. Normally, you can live with the child for a prolonged amount of time (like six months) before the adoption is over. During this time, an agency social worker may visit several times and your attorney or agency will submit a written recommendation. International adoptions have a series of legal regulations much different than a domestic adoption, so make sure you know what the process requires.
The Challenges Of Adoptive Parents:
As a new parent, you will face the challenge of having the youngster accept their new family and home. At some extent, you will also need to inform the child about being adopted and part with information about his/her natural parents. These children, quite often have particular emotional and physical requirements, which the adoptive parents need to provide for. That’s another challenge you – as an adoptive parent – you will have to deal with.
Conclusively, the decision to adopt a child can be difficult to make as a parent, but it ultimately brings a lot of bliss and satisfaction to adoptive parents. The child in turn is assured a safe home with parents who are affectionate.