Exploring ways to adopt
The paths to adoption are diverse and plentiful. There is no one way to adopt. Here is an exploration of the most common adoption paths
Kinship Adoptions are often the most affordable. In a kinship adoption you are typically related to the child or have a long term relationship with the child. Depending on the circumstances this type of adoption may be through the state (foster care) or with a private adoption.
Foster Care Adoptions like kinship adoptions are also very affordable. Typically the fees associated with this type of adoption include your attorney for finalization - often states have a subsidy to aide with this cost. The goal of foster care is reunification not foster care. You may have several children reunify with their biological parents or be placed with a relative prior to having the opportunity to adopt. If you feel that you are able to support a family through the reunification process this may be a good option for you to consider.
Self-Advocating or Self-Matching adoptions are when individuals choose to not use an agency, attorney, etc for the matching process. The prospective adoptive families work to match with expectant parents on-line. While many have had successful self-matches it is considered a slightly riskier practice given the lack of guidance from an agency or attorney and the high risk of being a victim of fraud.
Attorney Adoptions are guided by an attorney. It is best to obtain recommendations and interview a few attorneys. Although some attorneys do use a social worker to provide some support to the expectant parent it can be limited. The needed support of the expectant parent should be considered. The primary concern with these adoptions is that if a child is in need of adoption subsidy it is unable to be accessed without the adoption being an agency adoption.
Agency Adoptions like attorney adoptions are best when you are able to obtain recommendations and interview a few agencies to determine which agency is the best fit for you. In talking with the agency clarify what services are provided to the adoptive parents and the expectant parents, what does contact with expectant parents look like, what is the fee structure, what are your at risk fees, what is the agencies rematch policy, etc. Agencies often provide the largest amount of support for everyone ensuring the needs of each person are met.
Considering agency adoption? Learn More
