What is adoption? Adoption is the process by which a child becomes a member, both legally and
socially, of a family other than the family of birth. Adoptive parents assume
all of the right and responsibilities of parents. More openness in adoption
allows birth parents to participate fully in the choosing of a family to raise
their child.
Why is adoption often a good choice for children? Children deserve loving parents, a stable and safe home, encouragement,
guidance and positive examples as they grow up.
Where do I go to begin an adoption procedure? Licensed agencies can help you do an open, designated or international
adoption while ensuring the protection of the birth parents, the child, and the
adoptive family. Questions to ask an agency:
1. What is the adoption study procedure?
What may the adoptive couple expect on the first interview?
2. If we are not approved, can we find
out why?
3. Does your agency have any health
restrictions?
4. How many babies can be adopted by any
one adoptive couple?
5. Do you have older children who need
an adoptive couple?
6. Do you provide adoption help for the
following situations: step-parent adoptions or people who need advice or help
with any adoption situation?
7. How do you involve the birth father?
8. How long is it until the adoption is
final? How long do the birth parents have to change their mind? Does this
happen very often?
9. What kind of counseling is provided
to the birth parents and/or adoptive parents before and after placement?
10. What if I cannot accept the child
referred?
11. What if the adoption doesn't work
out?
12. What are the
similarities/differences between international and U.S. adoptions, i.e. adoption study, fees, time of
waiting?
13. Are the foreign agencies you work
with licensed in their own countries?
14. How many children have you placed in
the past year?
15. Is it possible to talk with families
who have adopted through your agency?
16. What if the birth father isn't named
or comes forward later?
17. Should we have an attorney represent
us for the adoption finalization?
Find more information, including
2008 data from Minnesota adoption agencies, on our Info & Resources page.
