The Different Facets of Adoption

Monday, April 20th, 2009

Adoption today is different from what it was a decade ago. Today, there are many options. You can either adopt independently, through a domestic agency, or internationally. Take note that each decision will come with its own set of benefits and financial risks.

If you adopt through a domestic agency, you can put your name on their list and wait for the social worker to find a match. Birth parents today have a complete say in choosing the adoptive parents of their child. Typically, an agency would send about three or more biography sets of adoptive parents for the birth mother (or birth parents) to pick one. Then, a meeting will be set for them to get together. This is known as open adoption.

Some adoptive parents prefer independent adoption where they hire adoption attorneys who will handle the legal paperwork rather than to seek the help of adoption agencies. One of the advantages is that you can have more control over it. However, this can also be tricky because each state have different rules. In fact in Massachusetts, Delaware, or Connecticut, independent adoption is illegal.

In 2002, there was a rise on international adoption. It’s now common to see playgrounds with a Russian, Chinese, or Guatemalan toddlers playing in them. Many parents have chosen this route because the fees are lower and the wait list is shorter. In addition, they relish the rare opportunity of incorporating another culture inside their family.

Tags: adoption, adoption attorneys, independent adoption, internation adoption, open adoption
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