Adopting a child can be one of the most
rewarding experiences of your life. However, the adoption process can be
emotionally trying, time consuming, and frustrating. This article provides some
general information about adoption alternatives and the adoption process.
What children are available for adoption?
Adoption today is very different from what it was in years past. Now, for instance, relatively few caucasian babies are
available for adoption in comparison with the number of families who want to
adopt. However, there are many children of color, older children, children with
special needs, and children from other countries who need adoptive families.
Adoption agencies are seeking families or single adults who can love, care for,
and raise these children.
American infants
A few caucasian American babies are available for
adoption, primarily through private agencies and independent adoptions.
African-American infants may be available both through public and private
adoption agencies.
Children with special needs
Many children with special needs are available
for adoption. These children may be older (grade school through teens); have
physical, emotional, or mental disabilities; or be brothers and sisters who
should be adopted together. Usually, these children are in a State foster care
system. Both public and private agencies place children with special needs. In
addition, national, regional, and State adoption exchanges will assist in
matching prospective parents with these children. The adoption exchanges and
agencies usually have photo listings and descriptions of available children. In
many cases, financial assistance in the form of adoption subsidies is available
to help parents with the legal, medical, and living costs associated with caring
for a child with special needs.
Intercountry adoption
Many children from other countries are available
for adoption. China, Korea, Russia, Eastern Europe, Central and South America,
India, and the Philippines are the sources of most foreign-born children adopted
by Americans. There are strict immigration requirements for adopting children
from other countries, as well as substantial agency fees and transportation,
legal, and medical costs. Many private agencies place children from foreign
countries. It is important that you choose a licensed, knowledgeable
organization, for the intercountry adoption process is lengthy and complex.
As a prospective parent, you should carefully
consider the emotional and social implications of adopting a child of a
different nationality. In this situation, you are adopting a culture as well as
a child.
Who can adopt?
The traditional eligibility requirements for adoptive parents are changing.
However, for many infant adoptions, agencies will only consider couples married
at least one to three years, between the ages of 25 and 40, and with stable
employment income. There are a few agencies that accept applicants who are older
than 40; you just have to look a little harder for them. Some agencies require
that the couple have no other children and be unable to bear children. Some
require that at least one parent not work outside the home for at least 6 months
after the adoption.
For children with special needs, some
African-American children, and some intercountry adoptions, agencies are willing
to consider single applicants, those over age 40, and those with other children.
The adoption of American Indian children by non- Indians is strictly limited by
the Federal Indian Child Welfare Act. Agencies will discuss the various
eligibility regulations and possibilities with you.
Source: National Adoption
Clearinghouse. Reprinted with permission and posted on kidsgrowth 06-06-04
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