Despite myths to the contrary, domestic newborn adoption remains alive and well in the United States. In most U.S. newborn adoptions, adoptive parents are selected by the birthparents of the child, and, in at least half of the cases, the birthparents and adoptive parents have met. Domestic adopters usually appreciate the opportunity to build a relationship with their child's birth family. While ongoing contact is increasingly common, the extent of contact varies significantly.

If you are considering building your family through Domestic Adoption there are some things you will need to consider. Do you use an agency? An Attorney? A facilitator?

Whichever path you decide keep in mind that you will be walking along this path with these professionals for about two years. All of these professionals can assist you on this journey, they each have a different road map for you to follow, and that will lead you to parenthood.  

Adoption Fundamentals:

• To adopt you will need to have a home study completed by an adoption agency, and a post home study done after the birth of the child, in order to finalize the adoption.

• The Home Study is an educational, nonjudgmental process, and covers the following areas:
  • Attitudes towards adoption, including transracial & transcultural issues
  • Educational and career history
  • Family background and current family support
  • Parenting and child raising beliefs
  • Financial information and stability
  • Medicals and references
    
    
• Birth parent relinquishments can only be taken by a social worker.  
  
  
• Adoption Attorney’s are the only ones who can serve an unknown birthfather or alleged birthfathers.
  
  
• Adoption Agencies are the only ones who can process the Interstate Compact for out of state adoptions.
  
  
• Facilitators assist with your outreaching of pregnant women.  They are not able to take relinquishments, complete home studies, or legally represent anyone.
  
  
• The adoption laws vary from state to sate and it is important to consider the laws of the state before you agree to work in that state.
  
  
• There are laws that limit the amount of financial support you can offer a pregnant woman.

Remember no two adoptions are alike and it is important to listen to the advice of the professionals you hire. Listen to your intuition and follow your heart.

Which path is the best one for you to take?

1. Domestic
2. Foster Adoption
3. International