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Adoption

South Carolina Adoption

South Carolina Adoption

 
 
A brief guide to South Carolina adoptions
 
 
"Family law" is a broad term referring to many different types of regulations involved in domestic law. One common aspect of legal practice in this field concerns South Carolina adoption of a minor child. This is not a process to be undertaken lightly. Not only do South Carolina adoptions require you to assume many responsibilities towards a child, you will need to undertake an extensive review process before you are allowed to do so.
 
 
There are four different types of adoption. A South Carolina adoption may fall into the following categories:
 
 
• Private adoptions involve a parent or parents voluntarily giving up their child, for whatever reason, into another couple or single parent's custody. These kinds of South Carolina adoptions will often require a lawyer who can draft the documentation necessary to ensure the process is completed in a legally correct fashion.
 
 
• Public adoptions concern children who are in the care of the state's child protective services. 
 
 
• Interagency South Carolina adoptions involve children who have been given up by their parents and given in custody to an agency responsible for finding a new home.
 
 
• International adoptions concern minor children from another country. A lawyer will almost certainly be necessary to make sure that this kind of South Carolina adoption follows the laws of the state and the other country in question.
 
 
Before undertaking any of these kinds of proceedings, you will need to undergo a "homestudy" process. This is designed to make sure that anyone who wishes to complete South Carolina adoptions is mentally and fiscally capable of taking good care of a minor child. You will need to make your medical and financial records available to the person appointed by the state to undertake this process. 
 
 
Additionally, in order to have your request to undertake a South Carolina adoption approved, you will need to undergo extensive interviews. During these sessions, you will be asked about your expectations as a potential parent, your upbringing and your views on parenting. You  may wish to consult with a lawyer to help guide you through this component of South Carolina adoptions. Until you have successfully completed the homestudy process, you cannot adopt any children.
 
 
You should be aware that the process of completing a South Carolina adoption can be very expensive. For example, if you enter into a private adoption agreement, you will have to sign a contract detailing your obligations to the birth parent. These kinds of South Carolina adoptions may obligate you to pay for all expense related to the process of giving birth, such as hospital bills. Do not commit to this process until you have estimated all the expenses which will be involved.
 
 
It may be possible to minimize some of the expenses involved in a South Carolina adoption. A federal tax credit is available for those who complete this process. Additionally, those who adopt children who are deemed to have "special needs" may be eligible for additional financial assistance.
 
 

Virginia Adoption

Virginia Adoption

 

What is Virginia Adoption?

 

Virginia adoption is the process of placing children—who are permanently and legally separated from their birth parents—with a new family. Virginia adoption is a legal and social process that provides new parent(s) with the same obligations and rights as biological parents. 

 

VA adoption procedure is governed by Chapter 12 of the Code of Virginia. According to Virginia adoption law, there are only two forms of adoptive placements that are permitted: agency and non-agency placements. 

 

Agency placements—under VA adoption law–take place when the child is in custody of local departments of social services or licensed child-placing agencies. Under these circumstances, all associated parental rights are eliminated and custody is granted to the agency. Following this, the agency must consent to the child’s adoption.

A non-agency adoption occurs when the child is not in the formal custody of an agency. Under a non-agency placement, the legal guardians or birth parents consent to the adoption. In this form, parental rights are eliminated by final order of the adoption. 

 

With the exception of authorized child-placing agencies only biological parents and legal guardians are permitted to place a child for adoption in the state of Virginia. Although any person under VA adoption law may provide assistance to biological parents with regards to locating a prospective adoptive family, only birth parents and legal guardians actually place the child for adoption.

According to Virginia Adoption Law, there are Three Different Forms of Non-Agency Adoptions:

 

Stepparent Adoptions According to VA Adoption Laws:

 

o Stepparent adoptions—under VA adoptions laws–occur when the spouse of an adoptive or birth parent is adopting the child. In this method, consent is either not required or has already been obtained. Investigations—undertaken by the state—will only take place if the court determines it is fundamental before the adoption is affirmed. If the court fails to consider an investigation necessary, the Virginia adoption agency will become involved when the petition is filed and the circuit court enters the reference order

 

Parental Placement Adoptions According to VA Adoptions Law:

 

o These types of Virginia Adoptions are governed by the Code of Virginia sections 63.2—1230 through 63.2—1240. In parental placement Virginia adoptions, the responsible child placing agency engages in a home study to report the worthiness of the adopting parents. Following completion of the home study, the agency will file a petition with the juvenile and domestic relations court. This body—using VA adoptions–will execute consent and award custody to the prospective Virginia adoption parents. The juvenile and domestic relations court—based on VA adoption law–is responsible for reviewing the home study report and collateral material to evaluate whether the stipulations and requirements of VA adoption law have been satisfied. The court is also responsible for accepting parental consent and transferring custody to the Virginia adoption parents. This court also is responsible for accepting parental consent and transferring custody to the adoptive parents. Virginia adoption petitions may then be filed with the local circuit court

 

Adult Adoptions According to VA Adoption Law:

 

o Adult adoptions are a form of VA adoption where the individual (over the age of 18) files a Virginia adoption petition with the state. Virginia adult adoptions are governed by section 63.2-1243 of the Code of Virginia. In an adult VA adoption, the agency will become involved when the adoption petition is filed in the circuit court system

 

Steps to a Virginia Adoption:

 

1. Initial Contact: Based on VA adoption law, the first step to a Virginia adoption is calling (800)-DO-ADOPT or e-mail the Adoption Resource Exchange. During this initial correspondence you may ask any questions that you may have concerning Virginia adoptions. After these inquiries, you may be referred to a local Virginia department of social services to private child placing agencies for official orientation. 

 

2. Orientation: According to VA adoption, you– following your initial correspondence,–will be invited to a meeting to learn more about the Virginia adoption process and the types of children waiting to be adopted. The orientation—according to VA adoption–may include a group meeting with other families interested in Virginia adoptions or may take the form of an individual meeting with an agency social worker. Regardless of the format, you should ask any questions pertaining to Virginia adoptions that you are curious about.

 

3. The Application: According to VA adoption, to apply for Virginia adoption services, you must complete the official application. You can request the application in person, by mail or via the telephone. Application forms for Virginia adoption vary; however, most will ask you questions concerning your health and family history, your income and your relationship status. Complete the application, sign it and return it to the Virginia adoption agency. The social worker—under VA adoption law–will then explain the process of the home study and how the information you submit will help determine the type of child that will best fit your situation.

 

4. Home Study: During the home study process, you will go-over the reasons for wanting to adopt and the type of child you can best parent. The social worker will, in turn, go-over what the state expects from you as an adopting parent. All members of your immediate family are involved in the Virginia adoption process. The home study is finalized through a series of meetings (held at your residence). During these meetings the social worker or state will walk-through your house and take notes concerning your lifestyle and living habits. When the home study concludes, you and the social worker will decide whether you—as determined by Virginia adoption laws—are fit to adopt. If you are determined equipped to adopt, the state will decide what type of child you can best raise. Remember, during the Virginia adoption process, the social worker is not looking for the perfect family, but instead, the family who has most successfully coped with life experiences. 

 

5. Selection: If—after finalizing the home study process—the social worker determines you able and ready to adopt, the state will show you pictures of available children. In addition to pictures, VA adoption law requires the state will provide basic information concerning each child. When you a find a child you are interested in, you and the agency will consider whether your family is right for the child. Deciding against Virginia adoptions—with regards to a particular child–does not prevent you from being considered for other Virginia adoptions. 

 

6. Placements: The Virginia adoption placement process begins with visits between the prospective child and the adopting family. The number of visits before the affirmation of placement is dependent on the child’s ability to cope with a move. When the social worker feels that the child is ready to be formally adopted, arrangements are made for placements in the adoptive home. 

 

7. Post Placement Practices: Once the child is placed in the home, the Virginia adoption worker will visit you at least three times during the first six months. These visits intend to facilitate the transition phase for both you and your adopted child. During this stage of the Virginia adoption process, you should speak with the worker about any concerns you have. Virginia adoption laws require the child to live in your home for at least six months and be visited at least three times before the Virginia adoption can be finalized

 

8. Legal Procedures and Finalization: To affirm Virginia adoptions under VA adoption law, it is best to get an attorney. The Virginia adoption attorney will file petitions with the adoption court to formally enter the final order of Virginia adoption. 

Washington Adoption

Washington Adoption

 

Laws and Procedures Associated with Washington Adoption:

 

In 2003, there were over 1,200 adoptions of children in custody of Washington’s Department of Social and Health Services. The purpose of Washington’s adoption program is to satisfy the permanency needs of children who are placed in the care and custody of the Department of Social and Health Services. 

The Washington Department of Social and Health Services strive to find stable and safe families that can effectively meet the needs of adopted children. 

 

Proceeding with Washington Adoption:

 

What you must consider when looking to Adopt in Washington:

 

• WA Adoption: Do I want to adopt a boy or girl?

• WA Adoptions: What age of child am I looking to adopt?

• WA Adoption: Am I interesting in adopting a sibling group?

• WA Adoptions: Should I consider adopting a sibling group in order to get the type and age of child I am interest in?

• WA Adoption: Should I be willing to have open communication with the child’s birth parents?

• WA Adoptions: Can I parent a child who is physically or sexually abused and/or neglected?

• WA Adoptions: Can I parent a child that faces on-going medical issues, is diagnosed with a developmental disability who is developmentally delayed?

• WA Adoptions: Can I parent a child who is exposed to alcohol and drugs in utero?

• WA Adoption: Does the ethnicity of the child I adopt?

• WA Adoptions: How does my extended family feel about Washington adoption?

• WA Adoption: If I participate in a Washington adoption with a child of a different race or ethnicity will I be judged by my family and friends?

• WA Adoptions: How will I handle adoption-related questions posed by my child?

 

Washington Adoption: Laws and Requirements

 

As a real general overview, to successfully partake in Washington adoption, you are required to be:

 

• WA Adoption: Deemed legally competent by the state of Washington and the State Department of Social and Health Services

• WA Adoption: 18 years of age or older

• WA Adoptions: Be approved following a home study 

 

Who must Consent to a Washington Adoption?

 

• WA Adoptions: The adoptee, if fourteen years of age or older

• WA Adoption: The parents and the alleged father

• WA Adoptions: The legal guardian

• WA Adoption: A department or the agency to whom the adoptee has been relinquished pursuant 

 

When Parental Consent is not required:

 

• WA Adoption: A parent’s rights are terminated in the child’s best interest and due to failure to perform parental duties

 

• WA Adoptions: For Native American children, a parent’s rights can be terminated only pursuant to standards set forth in Washington adoption law

 

When Can Consent Be Executed? 

 

• WA Adoption: Parents may petition and provide written consent to relinquish may be filed before birth; however, the hearing may not be held prior to 48 hours after the birth of the child

 

• WA Adoptions: If the Child is of Native American descent, the petition and consent must not be signed until at least 10 days after the birth

 

Revocation of Consent:

 

• WA Adoption: Consent may be revoked until the court approves it. Following this, consent is deemed irrevocable, except that for 1 year, consent shall be revoked for lack of mental competence, duress or fraud

 

Grounds for Termination of Parental Rights:

 

The following—according to Washington adoption laws—are circumstances that are grounds for termination:

 

• WA Adoption: Abuse and/or neglect

• WA Adoptions: Abandonment or parental disinterest

• WA Adoption: Drug or alcohol induced incapacity

• WA Adoptions: Mental illness or deficiency 

• WA Adoption: Child judged in need of services/dependent

• WA Adoptions: Sexual abuse

• WA Adoption: Neglect or loss of rights of another child

• Child’s best interest

• Felony assault of sibling or child

 

Who is allowed to Adopt?

 

The following persons are permitted to proceed with a Washington adoption:

 

• Any individual 18 years of age or older who is:

o Legally competent 

o Approved family assessment

 

Who may be adopted?

 

• Any person, regardless of residence or age

 

Who may Place a Child for Adoption?

 

• A guardian or parent

• The Department

• A child placing agency

 

Cost of Washington Adoption:

 

The cost of a Washington adoption from the public foster care system is typically kept to a bare minimum. Incurred costs are typically limited to the following:

• Attorney Fees

• Adoption home studies

 

Outside adoptions (those initiated privately) can range from $4,000 to $40,000, whereas an independent adoption can range from $8,000 to $40,000.

 

Steps to a Washington Adoption:

 

1. The first step to a Washington adoption requires you to contact your local office

 

When you contact the department, a worker will answer any of your questions, send you information and provide information—through the delivery of adoption brochures—for their particular office. 

 

If you are looking to finalize a Washington adoption, you should sign-up for pre-service training courses through your local office. Washington adoption law states that you are required to have 30 hours of training to learn about foster issues and adoption. When training is complete, you can be assigned a social worker.

 

2. Adoptive Home Study: All prospective adopting parents must undertake an adoptive home study. The adoptive home study’s primary purpose is to evaluate whether parents are eligible to proceed with a Washington adoption. The process of a Washington adoption involved preparation and educations as well as procuring information concerning the prospective parents. An Adoptive home study will include the following steps:

a. Application is provided by the agency

 

b. Preparation classes: To secure a Washington adoption, you are required to take 30 hours of pre-service training. Class schedule information may be found on the Foster Parent Training site.

 

c. Criminal History Background Check: this portion of the home study is organized through your social worker. A criminal history background check must be completed on every individual over the age of 16 residing in the prospective home. A national fingerprint test must also be completed for all adults in the home over the age of 18 and above, has lived in another state over the last 5 years, a background check will be inspected from other states. These tests will be organized through your social worker

 

d. Child Neglect and Abuse Inquiries: This is a portion of the background check. Washington state records are checked for every individual in the home for anyone 16 years of age and older. All individuals in the home above the age of 18 who have lived in another state during the last five years will be checked. 

 

e. Personal Information: The DSHS will implement a form to provide your social worker with information about you. The application will question the following subjects:

 

i. Family facts, Education, Employment History, Cultural background, Relationships, Parenting and Experience with Children, Medical and psychosocial questions, Religious affiliation and practices, Support Systems and home and neighborhood questions

 

f. Medical Statements: This is a confidential form that your medical professional will fill-out regarding historic and current medical ailments. Your social worker will provide you with the necessary forms. 

 

g. Income Statements: The social worker—for a Washington adoption—will provide you with a worksheet that will seek information on the following topics:

 

i. Income

ii. Vehicles

iii. Bank Accounts

iv. Employment

v. Home

vi. Credit card debts

vii. Assets

viii. Child Support

ix. Loans

x. Paid Leave

xi. Insurance

 

Home Study Approval:

 

A home study for Washington adoptions must be approved to continue with the process. In general, home studies for Washington adoptions will be approved within 90 days

 

3. Child Selection for Washington Adoptions: There are various ways to select a child for Washington adoptions:

a. Social workers will contact you concerning a specific child for Washington adoptions

 

b. Or you can contact the social worker about children you either found on a site or heard about

 

You and your social worker must be in contact to secure background information about the child up for Washington adoptions. At this point, you may begin working with 2 different social workers: your social worker and the child’s social worker for Washington adoptions. 

 

4. Visitation and Placement Process: To go ahead with Washington adoptions you must ensure that there has been a disclosure of the child’s medical, family and social background. For Washington adoptions to be finalized, it may take two weeks to several months to place the child in your home depending on the youth’s needs (age, therapy and medical issues, school, child’s well-being, location of the adoptive family etc.). Visitation for Washington adoptions will typically begin at a location deemed safe for the child. Visits will lengthen in time; they get progressively longer until the youth moves to your home.

 

5. Post Placement: During this portion of the Washington adoption process, your social worker will continue working with you until the adoption is affirmed. Washington adoptions, in this stage, entail the arrangement of needed services (medical, schooling, counseling, child and family etc.). Washington adoptions will also require the social worker to come to your home to check on the well-being of the child at least once every 90 days until the adoption is affirmed.

 

6. Steps for Legal Procedures and Finalizing Washington Adoptions:

 

a. Contact a Washington Adoption attorney

 

b. Finalize the adoption support application delivered to you by your social worker. When completed, the adoption support program specialist is assigned to you. The program specialist reviews your application to determine if the youth qualifies for the program according to Washington and federal laws. The negotiated contract outlining the benefits and terms will be presented for signature.

 

c. The social worker must complete a post-placement report. The report provides the court with an update of the family’s and child’s well-being since placement

 

d. DSHS provides a Consent to Adopt for Washington adoptions. This is a written statement to authorize that the child may be adopted

 

e. The social worker—to finalize Washington adoptions—will send your attorney a packet containing crucial documents for Washington adoptions

 

f. Your attorney will prepare the document to present to the court. Your attorney will also file the petition and secure a court date to finalize Washington adoptions

 

g. When the date is secured you will appear before the court. 

What are the Adoption Statistics

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)

 

What you need to know about Charities for Children

What you need to know about Charities for Children

What are Charities for Children?
Within the United States of America, a vast array of Charities for Children exist including charities constructed for the provision of the health and wellbeing of children, the disbursement of funding for children, preventative measures with regard to the protection of children, as well as the prevention of both injustices, as well as maladies affecting a large majority of children. Charities for Children in existence in the United States vary in accordance to their respective organization, sources, and funding, which include:
Non-profit Charities for Children
Government-funded Charities for Children
Religious and denominational Charities for Children
Medically-based Charities for Children
Preventative Charities for Children
Charities for the Placement of Children
Publically-funded Charities for Children
Relief-based Charities for Children
Educational Charities for Children
Private, philanthropic Charities for Children
Grant and volunteer-based Charities for Children


What Do Charities for Children Do?
Although Charities for Children can vary with regard to a variety of classifications, foundations classified as charities will typically consist of the following stipulations:
A commitment to communal benefit
A commitment to public interest
Expressed legality with regard to funding, administration, and organization
An absence of restrictions with regard to the individuals targeted
The advancement of humane effort, provision, giving, health, and wellbeing
An absence of corporate fellowship
A legally-approved exemption from taxation

10 Popular Charities for Children
The following Charities for Children are considered to be some of the most prominent on both domestic levels, as well as international levels:

1.Boys’ and Girls’ Club of America
Year of Origin: 1860
Place of Origin: Hartford, Connecticut
Target Market: Boys and Girls between the ages of 6 and 10 years of age
Mission Statement:The provision of support and resources for the growth and development of the youth of the community

2. Planned Parenthood
Year of Origin: 1916
Place of Origin: Brooklyn, New York
Target Market: Child Health Services
Mission Statement: The provision of assistance and resources with regard to the proliferation of reproductive health


3. Family Care International
Year of Origin: 1986
Place of Origin: New York, New York
Target Market: Families and Children in Need
Mission Statement:The provision of resources and assistance with regard to the substantiation of family and children in need

4. Ronald McDonalds House
Year of Origin:
Place of Origin:
Target Market:
Mission Statement:

5. Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute
Year of Origin: 2001
Place of Origin: Washington, D.C.
Target Market: Prospective Parents and Children
Mission Statement: The provision of information committed to raising awareness with regard to the stasis of both domestic, as well as international adoption


6. Save the Children
Year of Origin: 1919
Place of Origin: United Kingdom
Target Market: International Children
Mission Statement: The provision of support, relief, and aid for children in need

7. UNICEF
Year of Origin: 1946
Place of Origin: Sponsored by the United Nations
Target Market: Children in Need
Mission Statement: The provision of aid, relief, and healthcare to children in need – oftentimes in emergency situations and circumstances

A Look into Orphanage

A Look into Orphanage

What is an Orphanage?
An Orphanage is defined as an institution that ranges from private to public ownership, which provides a place of residence and refuge to children and minors whose respective parents are unable to provide them with adequate care. However, the establishment of an Orphanage supersedes the definition of an institution providing health and housing for underprivileged children; both the regulatory stipulations, as well as the applicable legislation innate within the operation of an Orphanage is subject to strict oversight.

Why Do Children Become Orphans?
The reasoning behind the placement of an individual child within the care of an Orphanage exists beyond uniform reasoning and explanation; while certain causes for the orphaning of children may be more common than others, the possibility for the prospective orphaning of a child is virtually limitless:
Neglectful parents or households provide for a large majority of children placed within the care of a respective Orphanage; the prospect of neglect can be defined through a variety of terminology ranging from abuse to absence – in addition, cases of neglect range from abandonment to court-mandated removal of a child from an household deemed to be neglectful
Financial insolvency and economic insolubility may also account for the placement of a child in the care of Orphanage; although considered to be neither negligent nor intentional, parents of children may find themselves simply unable to provide for the health and wellbeing of their children
The death or illness sustained by parents of children account for a bulk of instances in which children will be placed under the care of an Orphanage; death and illness can include a variety of diseases, poverty, or incapacitating conditions preventing a parent from providing adequate care

Orphanage Adoption and Foster Care
Following the legal adoptionor fostering of a child from an orphanage, the parent – or parents will be granted a varying degree of responsibilities or supervision with regard to the child:

Adoption
The adoption process takes place when the adopting parents or parents have agreed to become the legal Guardian of that child; a process that may coincide with additional forms and fees required to be fulfilled on the part of the adopting parents

Foster Care

Foster Care is defined as the placement of an individual under the supervision of an approved individual – or individuals – on what is considered to be a temporary basis; in the event that a child under the care of an orphanage has been deemed to be an eligible candidate for Foster care, applicable administrative stipulations will be undertaken with regard to the fostering process

Orphanage Facts
The following facts have been complied in order to present statistics with regard to the operation of Orphanages both on domestic and international levels:
Upwards of 140 million children are currently under the care of Orphanages on both domestic and international levels
Due to the varying degree of the conditions of Orphanages on a worldwide level, children under the care of Orphanages are subject to fatal malnutrition on an ongoing basis
Upwards of 6,000 children are placed in the care of orphanages as a result of AIDS-related death sustained by their respective parents

Utah Adoption

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

Nevada Adoption

 
 
Quick Guide to NV Adoption 
 
 
Nevada Adoption Laws
 
 
The majority of Nevada adoption laws are located in Chapter 127 of the state’s revised statutes.  Nevada adoptions follow these statutes closely, and a complete listing of all laws under Chapter 127 can be found at the following link
 
 
The majority of information about Nevada adoptions in this article is referenced from the following guide under the Division of Child and Family Services: Link
 
 
The two resources listed above are the best resources for a NV adoption, and you should be able to expand on the information within this article with the resources above.  
 
 
Who is Eligible for Nevada Adoptions?
 
 
According to the Division of Child and Family Services, almost anyone can qualify for a Nevada adoption.  Of course, those with criminal backgrounds, weak financial history, or a history of abuse will not qualify for NV adoption.  However, eligibility factors for Nevada adoptions are otherwise lenient: 
 
 
people of any race
 
 
people of any religion
 
 
those who work outside the home
 
 
individuals or families who rent or own their homes
 
 
people with high or low incomes
 
 
families of individuals with or without children
 
 
anyone over 21, except the person applying for Nevada adoptions must be at least 10 years older than the person being adopted
 
 
married or single people, but a spouse must agree to the Nevada adoption
 
 
As indicated above, almost anyone can qualify for an NV adoption, and the state is in huge need of applicants.  The next section will provide simple steps for Nevada adoptions. 
 
 
Basic Steps for NV Adoption
 
 
If you are thinking about a Nevada adoption, you’ll have to undergo multiple steps along the way, and even though some of these steps for a NV adoption seem simple, many of these steps can become complicated—even with the help of an agency.  Basic steps for Nevada adoptions are listed below: 
 
 
attendance and completion of foster/adoptive parent preparation classes
 
 
completion of the home study before qualifying for Nevada adoption rights
 
 
referral and selection of a family and particular child through the Nevada adoption matching process
 
 
visitation and placement of the child with the new family
 
 
a minimum of six months of post-placement supervision from NV adoption agency and support services
 
 
court finalization of the Nevada adoption after clearance from the support services
 
 
Do I need to go through an agency for Nevada adoptions? 
 
 
Future parents do not need to go through an agency for an NV adoption, but the state encourages future parents to go through an agency to avoid conflict of interest between the blood parents and the adopting parents.  
 
 
Open Nevada adoptions don’t necessarily require future parents to go through an agency, but traditional adoptions, semi-traditional adoptions, and semi-open adoptions all require some degree of services from the Nevada adoption agency.  
 
 
For a list of all state and private NV adoption services and agencies, regard pages 21 and onward in the report under the Division of Child and Family Services.  
 
 

Puerto Rico Adoption

Puerto Rico Adoption

 
 
Guide to Puerto Rico Adoption
 
 
Because Puerto Rico is a territory of the United States, out of state adopters may adopt from Puerto Rico while following domestic, rather than international, adoption procedures.  This guide will provide you with a basic overview of the PR adoption process so that you can understand what you can expect at each step of your adoption journey.  If you have specific questions about Puerto Rico adoption after reading this guide, you may want to consult with an adoption attorney near you who can explain your legal options.
 
 
Who May Adopt?
 
 
Nearly all people can qualify for a PR adoption from the foster care system.  Most children in foster care who are awaiting adoption are suffering from lingering effects of physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, or have experienced the loss of a parent or guardian.  Parents will need to show that they are capable of parenting a child and have sufficient income to pay for a child's care.  Puerto Rico adoption does not restrict the age, race, religion, or sex of adoptive parents, and both married and single people may apply.
 
 
First Steps
 
 
When you begin the process of a PR adoption from the state's foster care system, you will need to talk to the Department of Families.  This department handles all adoption requests.  Unlike U.S. states, Puerto Rico keeps all records of waiting children completely confidential and does not post photolistings on any websites.  You can only find out about children waiting for Puerto Rico adoption by initiating the adoption process.
 
 
You may need to attend classes about adoption in order to begin the PR adoption process.  These classes will be assigned by the Department of Families, and you will only begin your home study once you have completed any required adoption classes.  Classes can help you understand issues that you and your adopted child may have during the adjustment period.
 
 
The Home Study
 
 
All people who are interested in Puerto Rico adoption must have a home study performed by an adoption case worker.  The home study for PR adoption will include not only an inspection of your house itself, but also interviews with all household members and medical examinations for all family members.
 
 
You will be asked a number of personal questions during your Puerto Rico adoption home study.  You can expect to be asked questions about your personal parenting philosophy, as well as whether there was any abuse in your childhood home.  You may also be asked how you would deal with certain situations once your PR adoption is completed.
 
 
Matching and Placement
 
 
After your home study, you can be approved for a Puerto Rico adoption.  At this point, the matching process begins.  Your adoption case worker will search for a child who looks like he or she would be a good match for your family, and you will be able to look at the child's information closely.  If you agree that the child is a good match, you will be able to meet him or her in person.  If your meeting goes well, your Puerto Rico adoptive placement can be completed.  After your child moves into your house, your PR adoption can be finalized in court.
 
 

Kansas 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,