What are the Adoption Statistics
What are Adoption Statistics?
Adoption statistics are resources that provide adoption agencies or coordinating government departments with valuable information concerning the adoption process. Adoption statistics provide all kinds of information regarding the various forms of adoption; adoption statistics will offer state, national, and international information on public foster care, private adoptions, and inter-county adoptions.
Through the evaluation of such adoption statistics, a coordinating adoption agency can better understand their particular procedure’s shortcomings. The delivery of such information will enable all parties involved with adoptions to better analyze their particular situation as to avoid some of the pitfalls associated with adopting a child.
Time is needed to compile, analyze and subsequently publish adoption statistics. As a result, adoption statistics are usually made available to the public after 2 or more years after the tiem numbers were originally analyzed. Adoption statistics can come from a number of sources; government departments aligned with a particular state’s adoption statistics as well as adoption agencies themselves are the primary entities that release such information.
General Adoption Statistics in the United States:
The total number of adoptions in the United States from 1987 to 2001 remained relatively constant; the total number has ranged from a low of 118,138 adopted children in 1990 to 127,630 in 2000.
According to affirmed adoption statistics, over one-third of American have considered adoptin, but no more than 2 percent of American have actually adopted children.
In 1995 there were nearly 10 million ever-married American women ages 18 to 44 who had ever considered adoption, and these adoption statistics amounted to more than one-fourth of all ever-married women.
Nearly 16 percent of those who had considered adoption or 4 percent of the total of ever-married women (roughly 1.6 million women) had actually initiated concrete steps towards adoption; this percentage may represent those seeking to adopt.
That being said, only 31 percent of those who had actually pursued concrete steps towards adoption (1.3 percent of the total of ever-married women) or 487,000 women had ever completed an adoption.
Adoption Statistics for Public Adoptions:
Children in the public child welfare system are placed in permanent homes by public, government-operated agencies, or by private agencies contracted by a public agency to place waiting children. In 1992, 15.5% of adoptions (19,753) were public agency adoptions. (Flango and Flango, 1994)
Between 1951 and 1975 the percentage of adoptive placements by public agencies more than doubled from 18% in 1951 to 38% in 1975 (Maza, 1984), and has since fallen to approximately 15% to 20% of all adoptions. (Flango and Flango, 1994)
Adoption Statistics for Private Adoptions:
In a private agency adoption, children are placed in non-relative homes through the services of a non-profit or for-profit agency which may be licensed by the State in which it operates. In an independent or non-agencyadoption, children are placed in non-relative homes directly by the birthparents or through the services of one of the following: a licensed or unlicensed facilitator, certified medical doctor, member of the clergy, or adoption lawyer. There were 47,627 adoptions (37.5%) of this type in 1992. (Flango and Flango, 1994)
The highest percentage of adoptions completed by private agencies was 45% in 1970. Between 1951 and 1975, the percentage of adoptive placements not made under agency auspices declined substantially from 53% of all adoptions in 1951 to 23% of all adoptions in 1975. The lowest percentage was in 1971 and 1972 when independent adoptions constituted only 21% of all reported adoptions. (Maza, 1984)
Adoption Statistics for International Adoptions:
Children who are citizens of a foreign nation are adopted by U.S. families and brought to the United States. This area of adoption has been practiced since the 1950's, but has shown a dramatic increased in the past decade. In 1992, there were 6,536(5%)international adoptees brought to the United States; in 1997, that number increased to 13,620. (United States Department of State)
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Utah Adoption
Quick Guide to UT Adoption
Utah Adoptions
There are generally three ways Utah adoptions usually occur: privately, through the Department of Human Services, or through a national program. Each type of Utah adoption is discussed within this article.
If you are thinking about a Utah adoption, you are usually advised to hire an adoption attorney (especially if you are seeking a private adoption). The UT adoption process is highly complex, and although some Utah adoptions remain simple, it’s still a good idea to hire an attorney.
Am I eligible for a UT Adoption?
The Utah adoption requirements are very strict, and §78B-6-117(3), A child may not be adopted by a person who is cohabiting in a relationship that is not a legally valid and binding marriage under the Utah law. According to Section 3, same sex couples cannot register for UT adoption. Additionally, a Utah adoption cannot occur in any of the following circumstances:
• the married couple has already applied for another Utah adoption, are willing to adopt that child, and the placement of the child is appropriate
• the child is placed with a relative, and another UT adoption would have a negative impact on the child’s interests
• the child has been placed with someone who has already developed a substantial relationship with the child and another UT adoption would affect the stability already achieved
• the child is placed in another UT adoption which was selected by the birthparent
• certain Utah adoptions would infringe on the best interest of the child
Different Types of Utah Adoptions
As mentioned above, a Utah adoption can occur privately, through the DHS, or through a federal program for foster children. Each type of Utah adoption is discussed below:
Private UT Adoption
Private Utah adoptions between birthmothers and the adopting parents are not specifically addressed within the state code, but this type of adoption is still common within the state. Private Utah adoptions can become complicated if a birthmother hands over her parental rights but then decides to keep the child. These Utah adoption cases can become even more complicated if paternal rights delay or even restrict the process.
In any case, a private Utah adoption will still need the approval of the court after investigation from a social service professional. If couples are thinking of a private Utah adoption, they need to consult with an adoption attorney before anything.
Utah Adoptions through the Department of Human Services
If you want to petition for Utah adoptions through the DHS, you’ll have to find your local office. You can find a map for all DHS offices in the state at the link provided:
You’ll also find a large amount of information about the process and forms you’ll need for a Utah adoption through the DHS by searching through the website provided above.
Federal Program
One of the most successful federal programs for foster children is the AdoptUSKids.
In order to adopt through this program, you’ll have to fill out an application and complete pre-service training. You’ll find more information on these requirements in the link above.
Nevada Adoption
Puerto Rico Adoption
Kansas Adoption
Kansas Adoption Laws, Agencies, and Other Services
Kansas Adoptions
The state of Kansas contains multiple statutes that directly address adoption. Most of these statutes are located in Article 21 of Chapter 59, and several of specific laws will be discussed within this article. You can also find information on adoptions agencies throughout the state, as well as services under the Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services.
Specific Kansas Adoption Statutes
Rules for those who qualify for Kansas adoptions are located in §59-2113. According to this specific state, “Any adult, or husband and wife jointly, may adopt and minor or adult as their child in the manner provided K.S.A. 59-1111 through 59-2143, except that one spouse cannot do so without the consent of the other.”
The statute makes no reference to qualifications for the individual—as long as the adopting party is at least 18 years old—meaning Kansas law offers no prohibitions against GLBT adoptions.
The state will never give preference to person with a criminal background in Kansas adoptions, and the applicant must show evidence of a safe and clean home, as well as a strong, secure financial history.
Where can I find Kansas Adoption Agencies?
There are Kansas adoption agencies around the entire state, but you may not always choose go through an agency closest in proximity. Different agencies offer slightly different services, and some agencies help children in certain regions of the world, demographics, and/or with certain special needs.
The Kansas Adoption Process
The first step to any adoption involves the adopting party filing a petition with the local court. Prospective parent(s) are highly encouraged to hire an adoption attorney to help with the entire process, but a lawyer is not always necessary if the adopting party goes through an agency.
After the petition has been filed for Kansas adoptions, the future parent(s) will have to complete required training and education from the adoption agency. This education helps the adopting party understand the responsibilities involved in the adoption process, and after training is completed, the adopting party will have to go through a home study and undergo a criminal background check and other clearances.
If the adoption agency determines the party is fit for Kansas adoptions, the parent(s) will look through a listing of children and choose which child they want to adopt. After the Kansas adoption has been approved by the court and the rights of the blood parents have been terminated, the adopting parents will become the legal parents of the child.
What is the Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services?
This program offers Kansas adoptions for children who have been subject to abuse or neglect and have medical, emotional and developmental needs. Parents who choose this type of Kansas adoption can receive assistance from the state for the special needs of the child, and for more information,
New Jersey Adoption
New Jersey Adoption Laws:
Frequently Asked Questions Associated with New Jersey Adoption:
Do I have to be a certain age to partake in New Jersey Adoption?
• To engage in New Jersey adoption, you must be at least 18 years old at the time the adoption is finalized. You must also be at least ten years older than the child you wish to adopt.
Do I have to be Married to Engage in a New Jersey Adoption?
• There is no mandatory relationship status to file for New Jersey adoptions. You may be married, single, in a civil union or a domestic partnership. The Department of Children and Families in Moreover, the New Jersey does not deny or preclude individuals from New Jersey adoptions based solely on their race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, gender expression, religion, culture, affectional orientation, domestic, marital or civil partnership status.
Do I have to Own My Own Home to Engage in a New Jersey Adoption?
• NJ Adoption: New Jersey does not force ownership requirements for those looking to file for New Jersey adoptions. You may own a home, rent an apartment or live in a condo; however, the child—to be granted a New Jersey adoption—requires his/her own bed (not necessarily his/her own bedroom) and ample space for his/her personal belongings.
What are the Financial Requirements for a New Jersey Adoption?
• New Jersey Law on Adoption: To successfully secure a New Jersey adoption, you must be able to financially support and care for your family. There is no exact dollar figure that automatically grants New Jersey adoptions; however, the state will review your finances, expenses and income to determine if you are eligible for a New Jersey adoption.
Is there Assistance Available for New Jersey Adoptions?
• NJ Adoption Laws: New Jersey adoption subsidies are available to the majority of families who adopt children with disabilities/special needs. Subsidies include monthly payments for clothing, medical care coverage, food, medical equipment etc. Subsidies for New Jersey adoptions are also used to satisfy legal fees needed to finalize the New Jersey adoption.
Do I Have to be a Citizen of the United States to Adopt?
• NJ Adoption Laws: No, you do not need to be a citizen of the United States to engage in a New Jersey adoption; however, you must have legally entered the nation and plan on staying here long enough for a formal placement to occur.
How Long Does a New Jersey Adoption Take to Finalize?
• This question is nearly impossible to answer because the time it takes to finalize a New Jersey adoption will vary based on circumstance. The following variables are the main factors that will either delay or facilitate the filing for a New Jersey adoption:
o NJ Adoption Laws: The sex, age, race and health of the child which you are applying to adopt. The more open and flexible you are to the child, the more quickly you will be considered for a New Jersey adoption.
o NJ Adoption Laws: The type and number of children in need of new Jersey adoption placement
o NJ Adoption Laws: How quickly you can offer references, medical reports, financial information etc.
Path to New Jersey Adoption:
The New Jersey Department of Children and Families works in tandem with the Foster and Adoptive Family Services to facilitate the New Jersey adoption process; these agencies respond to inquiries made by prospective adoptive parents. Therefore, the first step to engaging in a NJ adoption law is to contact the Department of Children and Families either at their website or at their toll free number: 1-900-99-ADOPT
After contacting the agency, they will send you a packet of information which includes an application for New Jersey adoptions. Following the delivery of information, the Department of Children and Families Local Office Family Recruiter will then contact the prospective family/adopting parent to arrange an interview/engagement meeting, where detailed information about New Jersey adoption is provided. This meeting will go over eligibility criteria for New Jersey adoption and the types of children in need of adoptive homes or foster care.
Those adopting families or parents who are interested in proceeding with New Jersey adoption are encouraged to fill-out their application. Following completion, the application is reviewed by the Resource Family Supervisor. Background checks are performed before accepting the application for processing. If all goes well, a resource family worker will contact the prospective adopting parent to begin the home study process.
NJ Adoption Laws: The Home Study Process
With a New Jersey Adoption, the home study process refers to a system by which a resource family worker inspects the prospective parent’s home to determine whether the dwelling is appropriate for adoption and the type of child most compatible with their family. There are several parts to the home study process:
NJ Adoption Laws: Pre-service Training
The Department of Children and Families provides 27 hours of training to prospective adopting families/parents. The training helps applicants determine if adoption is what they want while preparing them for the realities of adoption.
NJ Adoption Laws: Home Visit/Interviews
This form of pre-service training provides an opportunity for the agency to get to know the prospective adopting parents. This stage of New Jersey adoption is a formal assessment that supplements information retrieved from the aforementioned stage. Home visits and interviews allows the caseworker to procure information needed for a formal assessment while allowing the applicants to illuminate any specific issues that arise during the New Jersey adoption process. Moreover, the home visit provides the agency with the opportunity to review the home and assess whether or not the dwelling meets the state’s safety standards.
NJ Adoption Laws: References
References are procured during the home study to ensure that a thorough assessment is made to determine the applicant’s ability to care for a child. References for New Jersey adoptions include school, employment, personal, child care and medical. Criminal background checks are also performed on every individual over the age of 18 that lives in the house.
NJ Adoption Laws: The Approval Process
After the above steps are fulfilled, the case worker and the division will render a decision regarding the applicant’s case for New Jersey adoption. If, after review of the application and home study process, the division does not view the candidate appropriate for a New Jersey adoption, the evaluation will be discontinued. In most cases; however, the prospective adoptive family will be approved and granted the ability to engage in New Jersey adoption following completion of the homestudy process.
Missouri Adoption
The Laws, Requirements, and Process of Missouri Adoption
One of the beautiful things in this world is the ability to proceed with an MO adoption. Specifically, in this case, a Missouri adoption.
But how does one go about it? What are the laws? What are the qualifications? This will investigate everything you need to know about MO adoption.
A Common Law of Missouri Adoption
What makes a child adoptable?
First and foremost, these specific characteristics would abide by the Missouri law of adoption:
1. Both Birth Parents Agree
2. Termination of Parental Rights
3. Neglect or Abuse
4. Death of Parents
If any of these are present, the child by law is able to be adopted by anyone. Of course, in any state there are specific needs when it comes to MO adoption.
What About Missouri Adoption? Any Needs?
In the state of Missouri, the standard consensus is that a need for African American parents to adopt older foster children is crucial. There are, though, other issues, such as:
1. Race
2. Religion
3. Age
4. Sexual Preference
5. Marital Status
6. Disability
All of that is taken into account when considering MO adoption, especially if the birth parent is still present with the issue of agreeing to adopt. If the birth parent specifically requests a certain kind of adoption parent – whether by race, religion, age, or disability (or no disability) – priority is given to those considering Missouri adoptions matching those qualities.
Overall, though, the ultimate best interests on behalf of the child are the highest priority.
Is There Any Going Back With Missouri Adoptions?
No. Generally speaking, once the consent to adopt reaches the courts, birth parents – if available – cannot simply revoke that consent for Missouri adoptions.
Understand the Costs of Missouri Adoptions
Amazingly enough, it just so happens that Missouri adoptions aren’t just for the super-rich. Although most adoptions can cost anywhere from nothing to $40,000. It all depends on the type of Missouri adoption, basically.
The Standard Process
Once an adoption agency works with a prospective individual or couple on the adoption of a child in Missouri and a choice has been made along with proper legal consent, the process of adoption can take anywhere from days to years. That, of course, all depends on just how specific the prospective parents adopting the child are about the child in question.
Of course, Missouri law does require adopting parents to wait a total of six months before adoption finalization. More often than not, an attorney is essential for either the birth parent(s) or adopting parent(s), since the adoption process revolves around legal matters. They are, however, not required.
Do the Birth Parents Still Have Rights Even After a Missouri Adoption?
Generally, no. There’s no legal mandate either for visitations. That doesn’t, however, rule out the adopting parent(s) and birth parent(s) ability to work something out. There’s no prohibition on visitation by law for birth parents in Missouri.
Such issues can be interpreted by either adopting parent or birth parent with the facilitation of a skilled adoption law attorney, possibly resulting in casework for a judge to decide on a ruling when there is no statute available.