Domestic Adoption

There are a variety of domestic adoptions methods available for parents to choose from.

What is a domestic adoption? A domestic adoption consists of all parties, including parents and child, which are citizens of the United States. Either a for-profit or a not-for-profit adoption agency typically handles domestic adoptions, although adoption attorneys and adoption facilitators may also handle these as well. Not-for-profit adoptions commonly handle foster and special needs children. Attorneys and adoption facilitators are often used for adoptions in which the parents have already located a child whom they wish to adopt.

There are several types of domestic adoptions. Adoptions agencies vary in the types of adoptions they handle, so be sure to do your homework on each potential agency before you sign any papers. The following is a list of several kinds of domestic adoptions:

An independent adoption consists of prospective parents locating a birth mother wanting to put her baby up for adoption. Before you begin your search, you need to understand your state's laws as well as the legalities of your search. Some parents advertise in local newspapers. Others send their information to pregnancy crisis centers and local obstetricians. Parents who choose an independent adoption typically use an attorney or adoption facilitator. Expenses can include legal fees and medical and living expenses for the birth mother. Remember-You need to know the state laws that govern this type of adoption before you proceed!

Foster care adoptions can be significantly less expensive than traditional adoptions. In some cases, there is also financial help available. Once a foster child is available for adoption, the wait time can be quite short. Parents should remember, however, that foster children who are available for adoption are typically between the ages of five and ten years, and there is a limited availability of infants.

Relative adoptions are becoming more common. Grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc. are adopting the children of relatives. This helps the child maintain important family relationships, while at the same time providing legal protection and guidelines for all parties involved. Visitation schedules with the birth parents can be set, as well as financial agreements. Legal rights and responsibilities are transferred to the adopting parent, however, which helps to clarify the relationship between the adopting relative and the child. Relative adoptions are typically handled by an attorney.

Minority adoption specialists place minority children with adoptive families. These adoptive parents may or may not be of the same race as the children. Minority adoptions can take a shorter amount of time to facilitate, and they may also cost less than traditional adoptions.

Finally, whether you are planning to use an adoption agency, lawyer, or adoption facilitator, choose wisely. Do your research well before you begin the adoption process. Search for adoptive parents who have already completed the process, and ask their advice on prospective agencies and attorneys. Finally, make sure you know what you are signing before you sign anything!

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