Consumer Guide to Adoptions
The Adoption Process
Adoption Agencies
Private Adoptions
International Adoptions
Infant Adoptions
The Cost of Adoption
Up for Adoption
Private Adoptions
A private (also called independent) adoption is an adoption that is arranged without the involvement of an adoption agency. Instead, it's is up to the birth parents and adoptive parents to select each other and agree to an adoption. This type of arrangement appeals to many birth parents, because they get to decide exactly what family gets their baby without any control from an adoption agency. Many adoptive parents consider independent adoptions in the hope of finding a quicker method of adoption and to bypass the rigid controls of adoption agencies . Some adoptive parents may think that independent adoptions cost less than adoption agencies, but this is usually not the case. Even though an independent adoption does not involve an adoption agency, both the birth parents and adoptive parents will still need the professional services of an adoption counselor and an adoption attorney.
State Independent Adoption Laws
If you are considering an independent adoption, whether you are the birth parents or adoptive parents, it is important to find out the adoption laws in your state and the specific laws regarding independent adoptions. While independent adoptions are legal in most US states, there are a few states where it is not legal. Even in states that allow independent adoptions, the specifics of the adoption laws can vary significantly.
The use of an intermediary is also another consideration, as it is legal in some states but not in others. An intermediary is someone who helps to match a birth mother with an adoptive family. An intermediary might be an attorney, a special interest group such as a religious organization, or an adoption facilitator. An adoption facilitator is a private person or private business that locates birth mothers considering adoption and introduces them to families wanting to adopt a child. Facilitators charge for their matchmaking services, but then it's up to the birth parents and adoptive parents to work out the rest of the adoption arrangements.
Birth Parents and Independent Adoption
For birth parents who have chosen to place their child up for adoption, and want to pursue an independent adoption rather than an agency adoption, you will need to find both an attorney and adoptive parents for your child. If you are considering adoption but are still undecided, it is important to find a counselor that you can talk to about your pregnancy. Even if you are confident on placing your child up for adoption, talking to a counselor can help you handle all the emotional aspects of adoption.
Once you have decided to proceed with an independent adoption, you need to find an attorney to handle all the legal issues. While some attorneys only handle the legal issues involved, some attorneys specialize in adoption and provide assistance in finding adoptive parents. Ask the attorney what services they provide and what issues you'll need to take care of on your own. You should also ask the attorney what happens if you decide not to go thru with the adoption. Look for an attorney who does not charge a fee if you change your mind. If you need a referral to an adoption attorney in your area, ask friends or family for a recommendation, or your counselor, a pregnancy crisis center, check the yellow pages in the phone book, search the internet, or contact the State Attorney Association or the American Academy of Adoption Attorneys. The address for the American Academy of Adoption Attorneys is P.O. Box 33053, Washington, DC 20033-0053. Some states allow the adoptive parents to pay your legal fees, but some do not. If not, you may also want to contact the Legal Aid offices in your area.
You may also need to find adoptive parents. You can talk to friends and family, ask your doctor or your attorney, get in touch with an adoptive parent support group or a national matching service. Some birth parents have even placed personal ads. If you find a couple that you want to work with, have your attorney work out an agreement with their attorney. This not only helps to comply with state laws, but it will help ensure that all adoption issues are addressed and avoid any misunderstandings.
Adoptive Parents and Independent Adoption
For adoptive parents who want to initiate an independent adoption, you will need to find birth parents who are interested in placing their child up for adoption. Depending on what is legal in your state, you may place a classified ad in the local newspaper, advertise with a national adoption advertising service, or advertise on an adoption site on the internet. Many families have located birth parents by sending out an introductory letter, photo, and resume about their family to places such as crisis pregnancy centers, physician offices, or adoption attorneys.
Before you try to find birth parents, however, there are two other matters to take care of, namely preparation and a pre-placement report (or home study). Preparation involves educating yourself and your family in adoption issues by reading books and articles, attending workshops and courses, and talking to adoption counselors. An adoption counselor will be responsible for making recommendations to the court.
It is also necessary to qualify for adoption in the state in which you live before you try to find a child or birth mother. Depending on where you live, the laws can vary, but many states require a pre-placement report or home study to be completed before adoption process begins, although other states may have other requirements. In California, a pre-adoption visit is done to qualify the adoptive parents, but the home study is required to take place after the child comes into the home. The home study process is handled by a social services representative to determine the suitability of the adoptive parents. A home study is required in all adoptions and must be favorable for parents to qualify as adoptive parents. A post-placement report will also be required to finalize the adoption.
Once you are ready to proceed with an adoption, you will need to hire an attorney to handle the legal issues for the adoption. An attorney will make sure that the adoption complies with state laws, work out an agreement with the birth parents attorney, and prepare all legal documents. Legal documents include all petitions and motions filed with the court to initiate the adoption process as well as the final decree of adoption and a new birth certificate showing the adoptive parents as parents of the child.
Is an Independent Adoption Right For You?
Only you can decide if pursuing an independent adoption is the right method for you. Many couples who have adopted independently believe it was the right choice, but there are others who would choose to go thru an adoption agency if they were to go thru the process again. The process can be overwhelming and many people appreciate the help and support that is provided by an adoption agency. Whatever type of adoption you decide is right for you, hopefully it leads to a successful and happy adoption.