Adoptive Families

If you think you want to adopt, come see us.  You probably qualify – just come learn more about what is involved.  We work with families who adopt all sorts of kids from all kinds of places.  Our job is to help prepare you so you know what sort of adoption is best for you, then to help you make that adoption happen.

Programs
There are different types of adoptions, each with its pros and cons.  We encourage people to take time to look into each, ask important questions and explore various options.  Here is a simple description of each of the most common types of adoptions.

Adoption Process

Domestic Private
We use this term to describe all sorts of adoptions where a child is located somewhere here in the United States and a family makes arrangements to adopt that child.  This can be done directly between the birth parents and the prospective adoptive parent or through an agency that acts as an intermediary between the two.  Most people think of this with regard to infant adoptions, but it can apply to any age child.

Some of the advantages of domestic private adoptions are that families may be able to adopt a very young infant.  A major disadvantage in some domestic private adoptions can be the risk that birth parents might change their mind and take the child back prior to finalization (step 7). 

Important things to ask about with regard to domestic private adoptions are about background information, risks and costs involved.  Legitimate adoption agencies will give full background information of the children being placed including health of the child as well as health history of family members.  Questions about legal risks – the ability of the birth family to change their mind – should be answered fully.  There are clear legal guidelines about terminating parental rights that any prospective adoptive parent should understand clearly – especially when being promised no risk.  Finally, ask about costs.  There are some requirements to adopt a child and agencies should be paid to provide necessary services.  There are also certain fees that are not allowed.  Every fee should be explained, and you should ask questions, especially if working with anyone other than a licensed agency as part of your adoption.

Domestic Public
We use this term to refer to children in this country who are part of the foster care system, children who might otherwise not get adopted.  These are children who are often older (ages 3-17), may be part of sibling groups, may have mental, physical or emotional challenges and have often experienced abuse or neglect in their past.  More than half of the kids in Pennsylvania’s child welfare system are of African-American heritage, and other states also have a lot of children of minority heritage.

Some of the advantages in adopting from this group of kids is that they are already here and waiting for a family.  Usually they are already legally free for adoption so you don’t have to worry about birth parents changing their minds, and there is also pretty good information on their background.  Medical information on children from this group is usually quite good, particularly when children have significant physical disabilities.   

Another advantage with domestic public adoptions is that costs are often minimal – even totally waived or reimbursed in some cases.  Beyond this, funds are frequently available to provide ongoing financial assistance to families adopting children from the public system.  This adoption assistance, sometimes called subsidy, may vary depending upon the specific child’s needs and where that child comes from but usually includes medical assistance, reimbursement of legal costs and often some ongoing maintenance payment.  There is currently a big national initiative under way to encourage families to adopt from the public system, so this may be something to consider.

When considering a domestic public adoption you will want to learn about programs in your own state as well as other states.  You should also consider what would work for you with regard to parenting a child of a different race, or one with special needs.  Also talk about how you might handle having older children move into your home who may have relationships with other relatives or previous caretakers. 

International
People refer to adoptions where a child comes from another country as international adoptions.  Every country has its own rules and regulations about adoption of their children by United States citizens, and sometimes these rules change without much notice. 

Usually a couple of different agencies are involved when you do a international adoption.  One agency is likely to have a formal relationship with the country involved.  They will have people located in the country to facilitate things on that end, gather information on the children and work with the orphanages, courts and other officials.  The second agency is your local agency, like Common Sense Adoption Services.  We work directly with you to complete the requirements such as your home study (family profile), to help you gather all your documents (dossier), and then working with you after your child comes home. 

Some of the advantages of international adoptions is that families can often get younger children than are available here in the United States, and that there is not such a long wait as here for young children.  There is also no legal risk, the child is legally adopted before you return to the United States.  Some of the negatives can be cost and travel.  Families need to pay fees to both agencies, and often travel to the country involved for an extended period of time.  There is a lot of paperwork and many fees that tend to add up.  There are also often costs involved in making donations to the orphanages in the other country. 

It is important to look at the total costs involved before embarking on a international adoption.  Fees are often listed differently by various agencies, so make sure to look at the total bottom line.  Also, make sure you are working with reputable agencies.  As with domestic adoptions, you will need good background information on your child’s health and family history – reputable agencies will provide that or be very open about what they cannot provide.

Finally, consider carefully the country you plan to adopt from.  If the child you plan to adopt is from a very different ethnic background than you, how will you handle that over the years – how will you feel?  Make some inquiry into support groups of families with children adopted from various countries, learn about their experiences and what long term relationships can be developed for your child.