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What you should ask…
General questions:
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.
• Birth parents need to consider all options if parenting their child is not seen as possible at this time in their lives.
• Children have a right to a secure, permanent home with a loving, adoptive family.
• Adoptive parents should have help in understanding the uniqueness and the joy of building a family through adoption.ces in our Info & Resources section
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?
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