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The Adoption Process in 4 Easy Steps

The Adoption Process in 4 Easy Steps

1. Initial Contact with Adoption Agency or the Adoptee

The first step of the adoption process requires you to educate yourself about adoption; this crucial step of the adoption process requires you to conduct research of all the adoption options in your country or jurisdiction. To expedite this portion of the adoption process, you can hire an adoption professional, who will streamline the procedure. When you have definitively decided that you want to adopt, you should contact an adoption specialist who will answer all your questions concerning the adoption process.

Adoption specialists are available 24 hours a day at 1-800-ADOPTION to answer all questions concerning the adoption process and to elucidate upon all the options available given your situation. Before contacting an adoption agency you must learn everything there is to know about adoption. Joining an adoptive parent support group, reading adoption books, magazines, websites and attending pre-adoption information sessions (hosted by local adoption agencies) will supply you with fundamental information concerning adoption. 

2. Obtain and Subsequently Analyze the Adoption Packet

After contact has been made with the coordinating adoption agency, you will receive, either by email or regular mail, fundamental information concerning the adoption process along with some preliminary forms to initiate the adoption process. These forms will typically contain medical background information and generic biographical information; all information required on these preliminary forms will be used confidentially to break ground on the adoption process.

The completion of these forms does not commit you to the adoption process; the forms are simply telling the adoption agency that you are ready to begin exploring an adoption plan. During this phase, you will no sign any legal adoption paperwork until the baby has been born or the adoption has been affirmed. 

3. Creating an Adoption Plan

If adoption is viewed as the best option given your current situation, then you and your adoption specialist will begin constructing your adoption plan. This part of the adoption process will elucidate upon the crucial aspects of the adoption including: the selection of the adoptive family for your baby or you can ask your adoption specialist to select a family for you. During this part of the adoption process you can also choose to meet the adoptive family or talk with them via email or on the phone.

The most crucial aspect of the adoption plan is deciding on whether you want a closed or open adoption; in an open adoption a continued relationship is developed between you and the adoptive family. Additionally, in this portion of the adoption process, you can set-up or decide whether you want to receive letters and pictures of the child in question, face-to-face counseling, help with medical bills, aid with living arrangements, or talk to other birth parents and/or adoptees to learn about their personal experience regarding the adoption process.

4. Placement

Once the baby is born or the child is selected for adoption, the adoption process has reached an ending point in regards to the adoption plan. At this time, you will sign the legal adoption documents to fortify the adoption. This process; however, will vary based on statute and state law as it corresponds to the locality in which you initiated the adoption. 

 

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, 

New Jersey Adoption

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

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.

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