Adoption

Private Adoption

Private adoptions are facilitated by a licensed adoption agency or a Child and Family Services agency. Planning for a private adoption often begins with one or both of the birth parents selecting the adoptive parents for their child. In this case, forms to indicate the intents to place and receive a child are given to an agency. The agency provides services to the birth parents and the adoptive parents.

In other situations, birth parents may ask an agency to help find a family for their child. Each agency has a list of approved applicants including specific information about each family to help birth parents make their choice.

To be listed with an agency, adoptive parents need to apply and complete the requirements to be approved. This will include attending educational meetings and completing a homestudy.

Birth parents may sign consents to adoption 48 hours after the birth of their child. This is done through a lawyer. With these consents signed and with the approval of the agency, the adoptive parents may receive the child. The approval of the agency indicates that a homestudy was completed successfully and that required services were provided to the birth parents.

The birth parents may withdraw their consents for 21 days after signing them. After the 21-day withdrawal period, the adoptive parents' lawyer may make an application to court for an Order of Adoption. A copy of that application must be given to the birth parents and to the agency that provided service.

For more information...

If you would like more information on adoption, visit our Frequently Asked Questions page or contact the adoption department of a Child and Family Services agency or a licensed adoption agency. A worker will explain adoption to you in detail, and answer any specific questions you may have.