Adoptive Child Highlight
Adoption FAQs
What are the different types of adoption?
Children can be adopted through the national public child welfare system, private agencies, existing relationships, or the international process.
- In a public adoption, the child is placed in a home by an agency that is either operated by the state or contracted by the state. Public adoption requirements can vary by state.
- In a private adoption, placement is made by a nonprofit or for-private agency. Parents typically use an agency to assist with an international adoption.
- An independent adoption may be carried out by birth parents, a lawyer, a doctor, a religious leader, or any other person who can help connect a child with a family.
For private and independent adoptions, the birth parent(s) can decide whether or not he or she wishes to select the adoptive parents, meet with them, even maintain an ongoing relationship, if he or she so chooses. That is called an open adoption. In a closed adoption, the names of the birth mother and father and the adoptive parents are not shared with one another.
How much does it cost to adopt from foster care?
Most adoptions from US foster care are free. The minimal costs that can be associated with them are often reimbursable.
What sort of preparation do I need as a prospective adopting parent?
As you consider the type of adoption you are going to pursue, you will need to get ready to be an adoptive parent. There is no “one size fits all” preparation that provides exactly what you need. Many agencies offer pre-adoptive training for prospective parents. For children who are adopted from foster care, there may be mandatory certification or training. Talk to families who’ve already adopted and gone through the process. Familiarize yourself with all the legal, financial, medical, developmental, and behavioral issues related to adoption.
How will I talk about adoption with my friends and family?
A: If nobody in your family or circle of friends has adopted a child, it can be difficult to broach the subject. There are a lot of misconceptions about the adoption process and adopted children in general, and talking about it will invite people to voice what they know. HealthyChildren.org’s article, Respectful Ways to Talk about Adoption: A List of Do’s & Dont’s,( Let’s Talk About Adoption – HealthyChildren.org) will help you learn the lingo, think about what you’d like to use, and educate your family and friends.
What are the common medical and developmental concerns facing adopted children?
A: Many adopted children have unique medical, mental health and developmental needs that are rooted in their prenatal and pre-adoption histories. These needs may be present prior to, or at the time of adoption, or they may not appear for several to many years after adoption.
Do I need to be married to adopt?
No, you do not need to be married! Many single people are successful foster and adoptive parents.
Can I adopt from US foster care if I am in the military or live overseas?
Yes. Families living outside of the United States can adopt from US foster care.
Military families stationed overseas and within the US are eligible to adopt children from the US foster care system.
Can I adopt a child if I have a Green Card?
As long as you are residing in the United States you may be able to adopt as a Green Card holder. Search for contact information for your state on our website, and call them to confirm.
Please visit www.adopt.org for more information.