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Illinois Adoption

Illinois Adoption

 
 
Guide to Illinois Adoption
 
 
If you are interested in adopting a child in the state of Illinois, understanding the state's adoption laws can make it easier to start the process.  It can take months or years to complete your IL adoption, depending on what route you take toward adoption.  This guide will familiarize you with the Illinois adoption process, requirements for adoptive parents, and the costs of different types of adoption.  You'll also learn how adoptees and birth parents can use the IL adoption registry to find each other.
 
 
Applying to Adopt
 
 
The first steps toward an Illinois adoption depend on what kind of adoption you are planning to complete.  Private agencies and private adoptions will typically require you to hire an IL adoption attorney before you can complete an adoption.  Starting an Illinois adoption application with the state's foster care system requires you to go through a lengthy licensing process.
 
 
The licensing process for IL adoption requires you to have a home study completed, which includes a visit and inspection of your home as well as an interview with anyone in your household.  You will also need to be fingerprinted and examined by a physician to complete the Illinois adoption process.  Training is mandatory for all parents considering IL adoption, to help you understand the transitions you and your child will be going through.
 
 
Who Can Adopt?
 
 
In the state of Illinois, adoption is available to most potential parents.  Single, married, and divorced people are all allowed to complete the Illinois adoption process.  Whether you have children or not, you can be eligible for an adoption, and both gay and straight people are allowed to adopt children.  IL adoption requirements do include a financial ability to pay for the expenses of a new child.  You must also have room in your house or apartment for your child, and no criminal history involving children.
 
 
Is Illinois Adoption Expensive?
 
 
The cost of an IL adoption depends in large part on whether you are adopting from the state foster system or from a private agency.  Agency adoptions, whether domestic or international, can cost tens of thousands of dollars.  If you adopt a child through an agency, you may be able to obtain federal tax credits to cover large portions of your adoption expenses.  
 
 
Illinois adoption that is completed through the state foster care system is significantly less expensive.  You may pay as little as a few hundred dollars, or even nothing at all if you are adopting a difficult to adopt child.  There are state subsidies available for IL adoption that can cover your medical and other expenses for a disabled child.  These subsidies can continue until a child's 21st birthday and can make sure that your Illinois adoption costs you little or nothing.
 
 
Illinois Adoption Registry
 
 
Birth parents and adoptees who want to know about each other may wish to use the IL adoption registry.  If both the parent and adoptee sign up for the registry, they will be able to find out information about each other.  However, the Illinois adoption registry will only give information when both parties have consented.
 
 

Alaska Adoption

Alaska Adoption

 
 
Frequently Asked Questions about Alaska Adoption
 
 
What is Alaska adoption?
 
 
Alaska adoption is the process by which an adult takes on the legal and physical responsibilities for a child’s wellbeing that are usually assigned to biological parents. Adoption may occur at any time in a child’s life, though it most commonly occurs for infants and very young children. Older children and teenagers are sometimes considered less desirable by parents, but of course there is a great need for them to be adopted as well.
 
 
Guardianship can be put in contrast with Alaska adoption, since guardianship is also an arrangement by which one person asserts their legal responsibility for another. However, guardianship is usually adults acting for adults who are handicapped in some way that makes them unable to make decisions for themselves. Furthermore, guardianship has less far-reaching effects than adoption, and may be further limited by the courts—for instance, a guardianship that only allows you to make medical decisions on another’s behalf.
 
 
Can I get financial assistance for an Alaska adoption?
 
 
Yes, Alaska adoption subsidies are forms of financial assistance available to families who want to make a commitment to a child with special needs but who might otherwise be financially unable to do so. The definition of special needs for this purpose is especially loose. It can include any physical or mental disability, emotional trauma, membership in a sibling group, a doctor-certified risk of physical or mental disability, or even racial or ethnic factors. 
 
 
The amount of a subsidy will never be more than the existing amount that is paid to foster parents. Their exact amount will be decided after a home study conducted by an OCS Permanency Planning Conference team, and the family must apply and be approved for the subsidy before the adoption takes place. Once a subsidy agreement is signed by both parties, it becomes a binding document and cannot be changed unless one party violates its terms.
 
 
In addition, a one-time reimbursement of up to $2,000 is available through this program for parents who need to compensate legal counsel who helped to facilitate the Alaska adoption.
 
 
When is a guardianship preferable to adoption?
 
 
A guardianship, since it is a less serious legal action than Alaska adoption, may be the preferable tact depending on what relationship you hope to have with the child and what relationship they maintain with their parents. 
 
 
First of all, a birth parent may retain what are called “residual rights” with a guardianship that will allow them to continue to visit the child and possibly to choose its religion or claim its body in the event of a tragedy. In Alaska adoption, the adoptive parent has total control over what the child’s relationship with their birth parent will be.
 
 
In the event of the death of the adult, there will be no rights of inheritance automatically given out to a ward as there would be to an adopted child. Furthermore, wards usually do not take their guardians name, as adopted children do.
 
 

Mississippi Adoption

Mississippi Adoption

 

Quick Guide to Mississippi Adoptions

Mississippi Adoption Laws

The majority of Mississippi law on adoption is located under Chapter 17 of Title 93 of the state’s annotated code.  Conclusive and thorough information concerning the majority of laws and procedure about Mississippi adoptions within this article is referenced from the official website of the MS Department of Human Services.

Who can Qualify for Mississippi Adoptions?

According to the state’s DHS, a large percentage of citizens within the state can qualify as adopting parents.  A person has to meet the following qualifications to legally adopt in MS: 

• single persons or married couples who have been married for at least two years

• applicants over the age of 21 years

• families and individuals who can provide income and insurance to meet the needs of the child

• individuals or couples who are emotionally, intellectually, and psychologically fit to raise children

It is important to note that Mississippi adoption is prohibited for same gender couples.  The state of Mississippi is one of only two states in the United States that prohibits adoptions between couples of the same gender.  

Steps for Mississippi Adoptions

A Mississippi adoption can become extremely complex if paternity rights become involved in the case of the birthmother alternates between her ultimate decisions.  Parents or an individual are always encouraged to hire an attorney at the beginning of an adoptions within the state of MS.  

Step 1 Contact the Department of Human Services

In order to contact the DHS about adoptions specifically, you can call the adoption hotline at (800) 821-9157 in order to obtain more information about the specific type of adoption and about the application.  

Step 2 Look Over and Complete the Application

Once you fill out and submit the application, the DHS will review your eligibility requirements for the Mississippi adoption and you may be placed on a waiting list.  

Step 3 Complete Training Sessions

Once the application is approved for Mississippi adoptions, a couple or individual will have to attend up to five weekly training session to enhance their knowledge of the adoption process, child development, and how to responsibly handle certain kinds of behavior.  These meetings are extremely important and provide the adopting party will valuable information.  

Step 4 Undergo the Home Study

The family or individual within the Mississippi adoption process will then have to go through several interviews with a social worker.  The social workers will help the DHS determine if the adopting party is truly ready for adoption.  

Step 5 Placement

The first visits within Mississippi adoptions will only last a short while, but the visits will eventually extend to overnight and then arrangement for permanent placements will be made.  

Step 6 Post Placement

After the child is placed in the home, a social worker will visit a couple more time to help the parent(s) and child adjust to the adoption.  These visits usually last 6 months until the adoption is finalized and accepted within a court.  

Arkansas Adoption

Arkansas Adoption

 

Quick Guide to Adoptions in Arkansas 

Arkansas Adoptions

The majority of Arkansas adoption laws are located in Chapter 9 of Title 9 of the revised code.  The majority of information in this article about Arkansas adoptions is referenced from the state’s Department of Human Services.  The DHS handles the majority of adoptions within the state, and supplemental information to this article. You can also contact an Arkansas lawyer for legal advice and assistance.

Who is Eligible for Arkansas Adoption?

A large number of people are qualified to adopt within the state of Arkansas, and two-parent homes with a healthy relationship between the two spouses or a single parent household can qualify to adopt.  According to the DHS, an applicant must meet the following qualifications for Arkansas adoptions: 

• Foster care applicants must be between 21 and 65 years of age

• There must be at least a 10-year age difference between the applicant and the child and no more than a 45-year difference

• The members of the household cannot have a health condition or disability that would interfere with raising the child through the Arkansas adoption

• Members of the household my complete a physical and test negative on a TB test

• There must be enough room in the house to raise the child, and each bedroom should be at least 50 square feet

• All firearms must be maintained in a secure, locked location and stored separately from the ammunition 

• There can be no dangerous pets in the house

• Children will have separate bedrooms if they are the opposite sex and more than 4 years old

• Water must be approved or provided through the public water system for an Arkansas adoption

• The applicant for Arkansas adoptions must have enough resources to meet the financial, medical, physical, educational, emotional, and shelter needs of the child without solely relying on state or federal assistance

• All members of the household over the age of 10 must be cleared through the AR Child Maltreatment Central Registry 

• All members 18 years of age and older need cleared through the AR Adult Maltreatment Central Registry, a State Police Criminal Record Check, and an FBI Criminal Background Check to allow an Arkansas adoption in the household

• Heads of the household must certify no household member between 10-17 has a criminal record

How do I apply for Arkansas Adoptions?

The link provides an applicant with an inquiry form for Arkansas adoptions, foster care, or both.  There is a large amount of data required by the inquiry form, and applicants for Arkansas adoptions should take their time to complete the form.  In addition to completing the inquiry form and meeting all qualifications, an applicant must also complete the following: 

• CPR and Standard First Aid Certification 

• 30 hours of pre-service training

• Meet all Minimum Licensing Standards and DCFS policy requirements

Massachusetts Adoption

Massachusetts Adoption

 

Who Must Consent to a Massachusetts Adoption?

Written consent to a Massachusetts adoption is required from the following parties: 

• The lawful parents

• The child’s surviving parent (if present)

• The mother if the child is born out of wedlock

• The child’s spouse (if applicable)

Who May be Adopted in Massachusetts?

Any person younger than the adopting party may be adopted in Massachusetts. Consent is required for children 12 years and older. Consent of the child is not needed if the Massachusetts court finds that the adoption is in the best interest of the child because of parental unfitness. 

A court may declare parents as unfit based on any of the following:

• MA Adoption Laws: A Massachusetts adoption will be granted without consent of the adopted party if the child is abandoned

• MA Adoption Laws: A Massachusetts adoption will be granted without consent of the adopted party if the child has been neglected or abused

• MA Adoption Laws: The child is currently in an out-of-home placement organization for at least 6 months and the parents do not maintain meaningful or significant with the child

• MA Adoption Laws: A Massachusetts adoption will be granted without consent of the adopted party if the child is 4 years of age or older and in the custody of the department for at least one year of the last 15 months and cannot be returned home

• A Massachusetts adoption will be granted without consent of the adopted party if the child is younger than 4, in the custody of the state department for at least half of the last year and cannot be returned to their home

• MA Adoption Laws: The birth parent has made no effort to alleviate the problem that created a risk of harm to the child

• MA Adoption Laws: The birth parent suffers from a condition, such as a drug or alcohol addiction or mental illness, which makes the parent ill-equipped with regards to providing the minimally acceptable care of the youth.

• MA Adoption Laws: The parent is convicted of a felony and the subsequent punishment will deprive the child of a stable home for a significant period of time

• MA Adoption Laws: There is a prior pattern of parental misconduct or neglect or a felony assault that results in bodily injury to the youth and a likelihood of future harm to the youth based on prior patterns of assault

What Birthparent Expenses can be paid Under a Massachusetts Adoption and in what Time Period?

In a Massachusetts adoption, medical, counseling, legal and related transportation can be paid for. According to Massachusetts adoption, up to $980 per month can be attributed to lodging, utilities, food and clothing. Moreover, up to $500 can be delivered to vocational, recreational, educational and religious services. Payments must be delivered to the state’s Social Services and Probate agency. 

If you need legal advice and assistance, contact Massachusetts lawyers.

West Virginia Adoption

West Virginia Adoption

Helpful Information on WV Adoption

West Virginia Adoptions

There are generally three ways a West Virginia adoption usually occurs: privately, through the WV Department of Health and Human Resources, or through a national program.  Each type of West Virginia adoption is discussed within this article.  

If you are thinking about a West Virginia adoption, you are advised and sometimes required to hire an WV adoption attorney (especially if you are seeking a private adoption).  West Virginia adoptions are sometimes stressful and complex, and although some adoptions remain simple, it’s still a good idea to hire an attorney.  

Laws for West Virginia Adoptions

Most laws for a WV adoption are located in §48-22 through §48-23 of the state’s revised code.  §48-22-301 provides the general eligibility factors for a WV adoption.  The code states “Any person not married or any person, with his or her spouse’s consent, or any husband and wife jointly, may petition at a circuit court of the county” for a West Virginia adoption.

So, according to §48-22-301, no preference is given to race, religion, income (in some cases), sexual orientation, gender, or relationship status in West Virginia adoptions.  The state is always anxious to have qualified individuals apply for West Virginia adoptions, and several different types of WV adoption are explained below.

Different Types of WV Adoption

Children are usually placed by the court or an agency in a WV adoption, but in some cases, a private adoption may occur.  If West Virginia adoptions go through the state, a private agency of the DHHS will assist with future parent(s) choosing a child, and all three types of WV adoption are further explained below:

Private Adoption

Private West Virginia adoptions between birthmothers and the adopting parents require the assistance of family West Virginia lawyers, and this type of adoption is still common within the state.  A private West Virginia adoption can become complicated if a birthmother hands over her parental rights but then decides to keep the child.

In any case, a private WV adoption will still need the approval of the court after investigation from a social service professional.  If couples are thinking of a private adoption, they need to consult with an adoption attorney before anything.  

Adoptions through the DHHS

If you want to petition for a West Virginia adoption through the DHHS, you’ll usually adopt a child who needs counseling and other services because of experiences they had in a former home or environment.  Some of the services offered by the DHHS are for foster children, but a West Virginia adoption is an option in many cases. 

Federal Program

One of the most successful federal programs for foster children is the AdoptUSKids found at the following link. 

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.   

Regardless of the type of WV adoption, a future parent will have to complete pre-service training, undergo multiple home studies, and show evidence of being able to provide a safe and structured home for a future child.  If you have any questions about West Virginia adoptions, you can find more information on this website, click on any of the links provided above, or ask a West Virginia adoption attorney.  

 

New Mexico Adoption

New Mexico Adoption

Quick Guide to New Mexico Adoptions 

New Mexico Adoptions

There are generally three ways a New Mexico adoption usually occurs: privately, through the Children, Youth, and Families Department (CYFD), or through a national program.  Each type of New Mexico adoption is discussed within this article.  

If you are thinking about New Mexico adoptions, you are usually advised to hire an NM adoption attorney (especially if you are seeking a private adoption).  The NM adoption process is highly complex, and although some adoptions remain simple, it’s still a good idea to hire an attorney.  

Laws for New Mexico Adoption

New Mexico law adoption is located in Chapter 32A of the state’s revised statutes.  Additionally, the state bar provides valuable information about qualifications for a New Mexico adoption. 

An adopting parent or parents must usually be 25 years old and at least 10 years older than the child in New Mexico adoptions.  Additionally, the state bar provides the following requirements of the biological parents for any New Mexico adoption: 

• the parents must consent to the NM adoption after counseling, and with the judge’s or with the approval of the head of an agency

• the parents must relinquish their rights to the CYFD voluntarily or because of abuse or neglect in the former household

• the court must give consent if a parent has left a child

Children are usually placed by the court or an agency in a New Mexico adoption, but in some cases, a private NM adoption may occur.  Different kinds of New Mexico adoptions are discussed in the following section. 

Different Types of New Mexico Adoptions

As mentioned above, a New Mexico adoption can occur privately, through the CYFD, or through a federal program for foster children.  Each type of New Mexico adoption is discussed below: 

Private NM Adoption

Private New Mexico adoptions between birthmothers and the adopting parents require the assistance of a family law attorney, and this type of adoption is still common within the state.  A private NM adoption can become complicated if a birthmother hands over her parental rights but then decides to keep the child.

In any case, a private New Mexico adoption will still need the approval of the court after investigation from a social service professional.  If couples are thinking of a private adoption, they need to consult with an adoption attorney before anything.  

New Mexico Adoptions through the CYFD

If you want to petition for a New Mexico adoption through the CYFD, you’ll usually adopt a child who needs counseling and other services because of experiences they had in an abusive or neglectful home.  Some of the services offered by the CYFD are for foster children, but a NM adoption is an option in many cases.  For more information

Federal Program

One of the most successful federal programs for foster children is the AdoptUSKids found at the following link: 

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.   

Iowa Adoption

Iowa Adoption

 
 
Quick Steps to Iowa Adoptions 
 
 
Iowa Adoptions
 
 
There are three ways Iowa adoptions usually occur: privately, through a state agency, or through a national program.  Each type of Iowa adoption is discussed within this article.  
 
 
If you are thinking about an Iowa adoption, you are usually advised to hire an adoption attorney (even if you are going through an agency in some cases).  The IA adoption process is highly complex, and although some Iowa adoptions remain simple, it’s still a good idea to hire an attorney.  
 
 
Am I eligible to petition for IA Adoption? 
 
 
Iowa is very lenient on their adoption standards compared to some states, and as long as a prospective parent has a clean criminal record, clean bill of health, and a strong financial history, the state will usually allow the IA adoption to occur.  Chapter 600 of the Iowa Code discusses adoptions in the state, and Section 600.4 specifically discusses qualifications for an Iowa adoption.
 
 
All of the persons listed below may apply for Iowa adoptions: 
 
 
• an unmarried adult
 
 
• husband and wife together
 
 
• either the husband or wife if the spouse is not adopting the other spouse
 
 
• the adopting parent is the stepparent of the person being adopted
 
 
• the spouse has been separated because of abandonment described section 597.10 of Iowa Code
 
 
• either spouse cannot contact their spouse because of  extended unavailability, or incapacity of the other spouse
 
 
Different Types of Iowa Adoptions
 
 
As mentioned above, an Iowa adoption can occur privately, through a state agency, or through a federal program for foster children.  Each type of Iowa adoption is explained below with helpful links: 
 
 
Private Adoption
 
 
A private IA adoption between a birthmother and the adopting parent is not specifically addressed within the state code, but this type of adoption is still common within the state.  A private IA adoption can become complicated if a birthmother hands over her parental rights but then decides to keep the child within 96 hours.  
 
 
Parental release of the child to the adopting parents cannot occur until 72 hours after the birth, so the birth mother may have a limited window to make a decision.  For more information on a private Iowa adoption.
 
 
State Agencies
 
 
If you want to petition for Iowa adoptions through a state agency, you’ll have to find your local Department of Human Services (DHS).  The DHS provides a map to help you find your local office.  Visit the link provided for the map: 
 
 
Federal Program
 
 
One of the most successful federal programs for foster children is the AdoptUSKids found. 
 
 
In order to petition for an IA adoption through this program you’ll need pre-service training.  You’ll find more information on these requirements in the link above.   
 
 

Vermont Adoption

Vermont Adoption

A brief guide to Vermont adoptions

Whether as a single person or with a partner or spouse, you may be contemplating adopting a minor child. There are four different kinds of Vermont adoption which you may consider:

• Interagency VT adoption occurs when someone whose parents have relinquished custody is placed in a home with new parents. Agencies generally retain Vermont lawyers to manage these types of Vermont adoptions. You will probably need to pay for this expense as well.

• Private Vermont adoptions are one of the most complicated and expensive types to undertake. This type of VT adoption will require you to come to a private agreement with a birth parent. The expenses involved in this kind of Vermont adoption may require you to pay for all hospital facilities and medical expenses involved in giving birth. A lawyer's help will be essential to ensure any VT adoption contract which is drawn up is clearly understood by both parties. 

• Public Vermont adoptions involve children who have been placed in the custody of Child Protective Services. These types of adoptions will be conducted by officials presenting the state.

• International adoptions are the most complicated procedure. You will need to ensure that you are in compliance with all aspects of Vermont adoption law, as well as the rules of the country from which you are adopting a child. A lawyer will be a nearly unavoidable expense in this kind of VT adoption.

Regardless of the form of Vermont adoption you are considering, you will not be able to proceed until you have successfully completed the "home study" process. This is a three to six month evaluation of your fitness to take custody of a minor child. This phase of the Vermont adoptions process includes many different components to create a report assessing your application. Your mandatory expenses during this phase of a VT adoption will be limited to the cost of providing copies of your financial and medical records. These documents will help establish that you are fiscally, mentally and physically capable of fulfilling the responsibilities involved in a Vermont adoption.

During this VT adoption process, you will be interviewed extensively regarding your upbringing and expectations. You are not allowed to proceed with any Vermont adoptions until this process has been completed. Keep in mind that a lawyer's expenses will often add to the heavy cost of raising a child. An attorney can help you better prepare for the home study phase of the Vermont adoption process, including assembling all the documentation which you will need to submit for review.

In some cases, you may be eligible for financial aid in the form of tax credits. Some children are considered "special needs" cases. Vermont adoptions of children who are African-American, over the age of 8, or who require special medical care may fall under this category and entitle you to financial assistance. Do not undertake this process until you have created a realistic budget detailing how much you can afford to realistically spend on the upbringing of a child.

 

North Dakota Adoption

North Dakota Adoption

 
 
A brief guide to North Dakota adoption
 
 
Taking custody of a minor child is not a process to be undertaken lightly, requiring significant fiscal and time commitments. There are four different types of North Dakota adoptions you may consider:
 
 
• Private adoptions involve a contract between a birth parent and the adopting single parent or couple. This type of North Dakota adoption can be the most expensive, since you will often have to pay for such expenses as the cost of the hospital and other birth procedures. A lawyer's services will almost certainly be required to ensure that the agreement which is drawn up is in compliance with all laws on ND adoption and clearly understood by both parties.
 
 
• International North Dakota adoptions concern a minor child from another country. This type of procedure is also complicated and expensive, since you will need to ensure that you are in compliance with both ND adoption law and the country you are adopting from. To complete this kind of North Dakota adoption, you will require legal guidance.
 
 
• Public adoptions involve children who are in the custody of child protection services.
 
 
• Interagency North Dakota adoptions involve children who have been relinquished by their birth parents and given for placement to a non-profit agency.
 
 
Regardless of the type of ND adoption you opt for, you cannot begin the process until you have undertaken the "home-study" process. Before you will be allowed to undertake any North Dakota adoption, you must complete this three to six month process, which is designed to evaluate your fitness to take custody of a child. Aside from the cost of providing copies of medical and financial records, you will not be charged for this part of the ND adoption process.
 
 
The state's primary interest during this process is to ensure that all people applying to be eligible for North Dakota adoptions are psychologically and financially capable of looking after a child. Extensive interviews will be conducted, during which you will be asked about your upbringing, expectations for adoption and any other factor which is deemed relevant. A case worker will then issue a report recommending or discouraging allowing you to be able to complete a North Dakota adoption.
 
 
Raising children can be expensive, and this is no less true of the adoption process. Certain types of North Dakota adoptions may render you eligible for financial assistance in the form of tax credits. Some minors are designated "special needs" children, because they are less likely to be adopted. A North Dakota adoption involving a child over the age of eight, children with significant medical problems and the adoption of African-American youth can all render you eligible for this kind of assistance. 
 
 
Many people will find it helpful to consult with a lawyer throughout the ND adoption process. North Dakota adoptions involve many steps, and it can be helpful to have a legal professional prepare you to understand what to expect at every stage. If you cannot afford to do so, there is a good chance you are not prepared for the overall expense of the ND adoption process.
 
 
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