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 | 10 Essential Questions ~
Get the Answers to These Questions Before You Choose an Adoption Agency
by Kiersten Bartolotta |
If you are thinking about adopting a child from the United States or abroad, one of the most important decisions you will make is choosing an adoption agency to assist you. Before you choose an agency, you should educate yourself about the adoption process. You can do this by attending informational seminars, reading books on adoption and speaking to others who have adopted.
The more information you gather the better prepared you will be to choose an agency that will best serve your needs. If you are interested in a specific adoption agency, you should always find out about their expertise, experience and reputation before signing up with them. Here is a list of questions that are helpful in determining if an agency is qualified and right for you.
1. Is the agency licensed? Always ask if they are presently licensed and in what states. You should also contact the state licensing department where the agency is located to confirm that the agency’s license is active and there are no pending complaints against them.
2. May I have a list of references? Ask the agency if you can speak to three former clients who have used the agency within the last three years. When you speak to the references, have a list of questions prepared to ask them regarding their experience with the agency.
3. What is the total cost of an adoption? You need to ask about all fees that you will be responsible for. Often there will be an agency fee, homestudy fee and other administrative fees. Additionally, you may be responsible for the medical bills or living expenses of the birth mother and possibly attorney fees. You should also ask when the agency will require payment. Requesting a break down of all costs in writing is usually a good idea prior to choosing an agency.
4. What does the agency specialize in? Ask the agency what kind of adoptions they primarily perform. Some agencies specialize in only one form of adoption such as domestic adoption or foster care adoption while others will offer multiple types including both international and domestic adoption.
5. What is the average wait for a child? There are different waiting periods associated with different types of adoption. The wait for domestic adoptions will vary depending on the age and the ethnic background of the child. Waits for international adoption also vary based on multiple factors, including the age as well as the sex of the child. Find out from the agency what the expected period will be for the type of adoption you are interested in.
6. Does the agency have any special requirements that apply to the adoptive parents? In many states, it is illegal to discriminate against a prospective adoptive parent based on race or sexual preference. However, if you are doing an international adoption, the country you choose to adopt from can discriminate. In fact, many countries do not allow same sex couples to adopt and limit the number of children going to a single adoptive parent. Some countries require that adoptive parents be married for a certain period of time before they adopt. These are questions you need to ask depending on your situation.
7. How are the birth parents’ parental rights terminated? Termination of rights differs with domestic adoption and international adoption. With domestic adoption, each state has different laws that determine the process and time period a birth mother can change her mind. Parental rights, with international adoption, are usually terminated prior to the adoptive parents taking custody of the child thus there is no waiting period in which a birth mother can change her mind. These time periods can vary and the adoption agency should inform you as to what the law requires.
8. What medical records will be available and when? With domestic adoption, many adoption agencies are fortunate in getting extensive medical records of the birth mother and the baby. Often, they cannot get medical records of the birth father. Find out what records will be available to you and when you can review them. If you are able to receive medical records before you take custody of the child, it is always a good idea to have those records reviewed by a doctor. Availability of medical records with an international adoption will vary depending on the country. Some countries will provide excellent records prior to custody of the child. Others will provide records only after you travel to the country where the child is located. Each country has its own process and your agency can prepare you as to what to expect.
9. Is an “open adoption” required by the agency? This question is usually only relevant in a domestic adoption. Many agencies are moving toward a policy of requiring a relationship between the birth mother and adoptive parents. Find out what the agency or birth mother requires and determine what you are comfortable with as well.
10. Where will the adoption be finalized? Finalization of a domestic adoption can take place either in the county you live or where the agency is located. International adoptions may be finalized in the country where the child was born or in the United States. The adoption agency can inform you as to where it must be completed.
If you have any questions on adoption, contact Kiersten Bartolotta at info@ourgrowingfamily.org or at her Web site www.ourgrowingfamily.org.
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