In recognition of National Infertility Week (April 19-25), KingSpry’s Adoption/ART Law Practice Group walks us through some of the options available to those wishing to build their families.
Earlier this week, we summarized the process to pursue adoption through a private agency, which typically involves infants. But it is possible to adopt a child of any age. The timeframe for matching with a child of a preferred age will vary. Older children may present with special concerns and needs. However, adoption of an infant does not ensure that the child will not face challenges. The amount and type of information about the background and early experiences of a child of any age will vary depending on the type of adoption that is being pursued.
It is common for extended family members to adopt children when birth parents are unable to care for them. Grandparents, step parents, aunts and uncles, and others, will care for children who need stable homes. Regardless whether these arrangements are initially formalized through a court proceeding, there may come a time when it is best for the child to make the family relationship “official.” While adoption always requires termination of birth parent rights, it is not uncommon for the non-custodial parent(s) to agree to family-based adoptions.
Many children are adopted into permanent families after initially being removed from their birth homes by a state agency and being placed in foster care. When the birth families are unable to provide a stable environment for the children, the goal of the agency will be changed from reunification to adoption. There are few non-reimbursable costs associated with adoption from foster care, and supportive services such as counseling, respite care, and support groups can be provided to address any special needs. Children who leave foster care without permanent family relationships are vulnerable to a future with an increased risk of incarceration, homelessness, and under- or unemployment. Thus, creating a permanent relationship for these youth is of high importance, whether that relationship is through a formal adoption, or a permanent guardianship. Some will want to maintain contact with their birth families, and others may not.
There are many public and private sources of information and support available to provide guidance and assistance to those considering adoption. These include private adoption agencies, local children and youth offices, online sources such as www.adoptpakids.org, and attorneys with experience in these matters.
heARTbeat is a publication of the KingSpry Adoption/ART Law Practice Group. It is meant to be informational and does not constitute legal advice.