Adoption Faq: Answers To Common Questions About Adoption

* What are the different types of adoptions?

Adoption is the act of legally and permanently assuming custody of a minor who is not your biological child. The different types of adoption include:

1. Fost-adopt – The child is placed in the care of trained and skilled foster parents.

2. Infant adoption – The child is adopted at birth or during early infancy.

3. International adoption – The adoptive parents adopt a child from a foreign country.

4. Waiting child adoption – This term refers to adopting a non-infant child, most commonly a toddler.

5. Step-child adoption – The child is legally adopted by his or her step-parent.

6. Older child adoption – Adoption of a child over two years of age.

7. Relative adoption – The child is legally adopted by family members who are not his or her own parents.

8. Special needs adoption – This term refers to adopting children who have physical, mental, or emotional abnormalities.

9. Military and overseas adoption – A child is adopted by military personnel or overseas workers.

10. Adult adoption – An adult is adopted by another adult who is not his or her own parent. In this type of adoption, even senior citizens may be adopted by younger adults.

* How long does adoption take?

The length of the adoption process depends on the type of adoption you have chosen. It can be as short as a month or it can take longer than a year.

* How much does adoption cost?

Adoption may be anywhere from free of charge to very expen

ive, depending on the terms and conditions agreed upon by the agency and the adoptive parents. Adoption costs also depend on the type of adoption you have chosen. Normally, international adoption is expensive compared to other types.

* What is the basic adoption process?

Adoption can be a long and emotionally grueling process. Below I've provided a timeline of the basic process:

- 1 to 3 Months - Do some research and learn about adoption. Read books about adoption, search the internet and join support groups.

- 3 to 6 Months - Make a prelimary decision about the type of adoption that may be right for you. You'll need to consider things about your own circumstances first - age, marital status, profession, financial resources and emotional preparedness. Then, you should consider the characteristics of the child - age, medical and social history of the child, disabilities and race of child.

- 6 to 9 Months - Complete a homestudy. A homestudy is mandatory to show your are qualified as an adoptive parent. It may be a bit uncomfortable to have a stranger come into your home, but rest assured, their interest is in helping you.

- 9 to 12 Months - Receive a child referral (international) or birthmother selection (domestic). Arrange for a referral documentation review by an adoption medical specialist. If this is an independent adoption, you will make arrangements for payment of the birthmother's expenses as well as with the medical providers.

- 12 to 24 Months - Placement of child or birth of baby. Getting to this stage can seem like an eternity. Enjoy...You are a new parent! Find professional suggestions for bonding with your baby/child and learn from other adoptive parents.

- 18 to 30 Months - Adoption Finalization. Arrange for post-placement reports, as required by your state. Select an attorney for a final court hearing or learn how to represent yourself.



By: Annecy Ashburn -