Our Process
Once approved, a couple’s family portfolio enters a waiting pool from which our birthparent clients select the parents for their child. Birthmothers may be early in the pregnancy, due momentarily, have just delivered, or have been parenting and find a need to seek adoption. Here is a step-by-step look at the process.
- Initial screening
- Application
- Home study file preparation
- Educational seminar
- In home visit by a licensed home study provider
- Pre-Placement report by a licensed home study provider
- Portfolio preparation
- Waiting Pool
- Matched
- Baby is born/placed in the care of the adoptive parents
- Post Placement period, visit and report by a licensed home study provider
Legal Process
Legal process consists of two steps: 1) Relinquishment of birthparents’ rights and 2) Finalization by adoptive parents.
Step 1: Relinquishment
Birthparents rights are relinquished to the agency following the birth and placement of the child with the adoptive family.
Step 2: Finalization
Finalization of the adoption occurs after the completion of the relinquishment and the post placement visit and report. At that time the agency transfers full custody to the adoptive parents.
Financial Resources
With proper financial planning, adoption can be an affordable option for many families. Here are a few commonly used resources available to prospective adoptive parents:
- Adoption Grants
- Employee Benefits Program
Many companies and organizations offer benefits such as leave or financial assistance to their employees who are adopting. Your employee benefits office will be able to tell you if your company participates.
- IRS Tax Benefits
Adoption Credit and Adoption Assistance Tax benefits for adoption include both a tax credit for qualified adoption expenses paid to adopt an eligible child and an exclusion from income for employer-provided adoption assistance. Please check with your tax-provider for advice on your eligibility for this credit.
- Adoption Benefits for Military Personnel
Military service members who adopt a child under 18 years of age may be reimbursed qualified adoption expenses. More information is available on the National Military Family Association website.