9 DOCUMENTS NEEDED FOR INTERNATIONAL ADOPTION

Posted on October 24, 2010 by cmcneil

Planning to adopt a child from another country?  There are 9 documents you will need for an International adoption.

1)   Birth Certificates.  You and your spouse, if applicable, will need to provide certified copies of your birth certificates.  To order these, you can contact the Vital Statistics department in the State Capital of the State that you were born in.  It is wise to order three copies, because you will need at least two for the International Adoption process.

2)   Marriage Certificate.  If you are married you will also need to have three copies of your marriage certificate for your International adoption. The official marriage certificate is considered to be notarized already.  You can also get these copies from your Vital Statistics department in your state.  There will be a small fee involved.

3)   Home study.  For any adoption, a home study is necessary.  It is also, definitely required in an International adoption. In an adoption home study there is no set format that adoption agencies use.  Some adoption agencies will have parents who want to adopt, attend training classes or group orientation sessions, before they can move forward with the adoption program. Other adoption agencies will have their social workers meet with family members individually and then have them attend classes later on.  Staff members of the adoption agencies will answer questions and help guide prospective parents through the process.  The adoption home study is a written report of the findings of the social worker after asking questions of the family members, both together and separately.  Most meetings are arranged at the social workers office, but there is usually at least one meeting in the home of the adopting parents.  The average adoption home study takes anywhere from 3-6 months to complete.  The following information is included in the adoption home study:

  • Marriage and family relationships
  • Expectations for the child
  • Motivation to adopt
  • Personal and family background-including upbringing, siblings, important events and what was learned from them
  • Significant people in the lives of the people who want to adopt
  • Feeling about infertility (If this is an issue)
  • Family environment
  • Physical and health history of the applicants
  • Parenting and integration of the child into the family
  • Education, employment and finances- including insurance coverage and child care plans if needed
  • References and criminal background clearances
  • Summary and social worker’s recommendation

You will need three copies of the home study from your social worker.

4)   Financial Statements.  This is usually a one page document that you put together for your adoption agency. Explain your financial situation, including your assets, what your bank account balances are, and what your income is.  Your adoption agency will also let you know if there is anything else you need to put on this statement.  You will need two of three copies of the financial statement.

5)   Employer’s letter.  This will need to be on your employer’s letterhead.  They simply need to say what your position is with the company, how much you make, and how long you have been with the company.  If you are self employed you will need your accountant to type this up on his or her stationary.  If you don’t have an accountant, find one that will do it based on your W-2 form or income tax return.  The signature from your accountant must be notarized on this.  Make sure to get two or three copies.

6)   Medical letter.  Your adoption agency doing your home study will also want this, so make sure to get 2 copies.  You will need to have a basic physical done by your doctor.  Sometimes it takes a while to get an appointment for a physical, so make sure to make an appointment right away.  Your doctor will need to sign a letter on their own stationary, saying that you are in good health.  Sometimes there is a specific form to fill out, but your adoption agency will let you know if it is necessary.  Your adoption agency will provide you with this form and it must be notarized.

7)   Police Report.  You are going to need some kind of statement from the police stating that you are not a criminal.  Some states require fingerprints, some do not.  The social worker doing your home study will need this, and you need a copy also.  These must be notarized.

8)   Divorce Decree.  If you or your spouse has had any divorces you will need three copies of the divorce decree.  You can get these from the Bureau of Vital Statistics.

9)   Approval notice from INS.  For an International adoption you must apply with the USCIS (Formerly known as the INS) to get the approval to bring a child into this country that you have adopted.  Call 1-800-870-3676 and request form I 600-A.  Tell them that you need fingerprint cards with the forms, two sets for each person.

Posted in Adoptive Family, International Adoption | Leave a comment

ETIQUETTE TIPS FOR CHINESE ADOPTION TRAVEL

Posted on October 24, 2010 by cmcneil

When you are involved in a Chinese adoption, one of the last steps of the process is to travel to China to get the newest member of your family.  Because China has a very different culture than the United States, you should know what the proper protocol and etiquette are.

Here are some etiquette tips to make your travel experience more enjoyable.

  • Chinese people are very shy and modest.  They do not show emotion or affection in public, and are very uncomfortable with people speaking bluntly.   Most couples never kiss or hold hands in public.  When greeting each other, a handshake is generally the most physical contact they will have.  It is not uncommon for two females or two males to be holding hands while walking down the street.  Usually Americans think this means that they are a couple, but that is not the case.  It means that they are very close friends, and it is acceptable.  It is not suitable for two people of the opposite sex to hold hands.  Because Chinese international adoption requires travel to China, keep this in mind, so you are not offensive to the Chinese people.  Be careful with your actions and be cautious of what you say.
  • Because Chinese adoption is a very intensive process, patience is required.  Not only in the adoption process but in other aspects of Chinese living.  Sometimes decisions that could easily be made anywhere else, can take a long time in China.  Everyone is concerned about making sure that everyone involved is totally satisfied with the decision, and not just trying to make them happy.  Chinese international adoption is a long process anyway, and by this point you are probably used to waiting.  Stick it out, and just remember that it is worth the wait.
  • Don’t be surprised when you are stared at.  In many parts of China, the only time that Chinese people see Westerners, is in the movies.  If you are traveling to underdeveloped areas, you will most likely be stared at.  Don’t be offended or scared about it.  Depending on where you need to go to finish up your Chinese adoption process, this may or may not be an issue.  It may be uncomfortable for you, but remember that it is just their curiosity.
  • It is considered to be extremely rude to take photos of people without their consent in China.  In some areas where the locals are used to tourists, it is more accepted, but it is a good rule of thumb to get permission before taking a picture with someone in it.  You could gesture with your camera and nod, if you get a positive response, then go ahead.  Afterwards, you can show them the picture if you have a digital camera.  Children will find it exciting to see themselves in your camera, and it might make others want to be in your photos as well.
  • Chinese people have a great sense of humor.  Like most people, they love to laugh.  In this stressful time of Chinese adoption, and adapting to a new culture, the art of laughter may serve you well.  Keep it light though, and remember that sexual and political subjects are strictly avoided.  Chinese International adoption can be challenging in many ways, but in all aspects of life, laughter always makes things a little easier.  Be prepared to laugh at yourself.
  • The concept of “Face” in China is very strong.  “Keeping face” is extremely important, and “loosing face” in public is just unacceptable, and can possibly result in a fight.  It is important to never shame, embarrass, demean or yell at a Chinese person.  Loosing face is unacceptable, and if you cause someone to loose face, you will not get what you want, and you may end up getting something you don’t want.  Always remember to treat people respectfully.
  • When greeting a group of people, always greet the oldest member of the group first.  A handshake is the most common greeting with foreigners.  Don’t be surprised if the person you are greeting looks at the ground.  This is very common.  You will most likely be meeting many new people in the process of your Chinese international adoption. Address the person by an honorific title and their surname. If they want to move to a first-name basis, they will tell you which name to use.
  • Chinese people rely on their non-verbal skills the majority of the time.  They take in facial expressions, tone of voice and posture to tell them what someone is feeling.  Frowning while someone is speaking tells that person that you don’t agree with them.  Keep this in mind while dealing with China adoption.  You may have added stress because of the overwhelming nature of adoption.  You don’t want to portray this when speaking with people in China.  They may misinterpret what you are trying to say.
Posted in Adoptive Family, China Adoptions, International Adoption | Leave a comment

Open and Closed Adoptions

Posted on October 8, 2010 by cmcneil

If you have decided that you want to adopt a child, or you would like to give your baby up for adoption, you might want to know just exactly what the difference is between an open adoption and a closed adoption. They are very different types of adoptions, and even though closed adoptions are pretty rare now days, you may want to know what your options are.

CLOSED ADOPTIONS:

Closed adoptions were very common for many decades.  In a closed adoption the adopting parents don’t know who the birth mother is.  They are usually not given much information on the child they are adopting.  Birth parents and the adoptive parents will have no contact with each other before or after the adoption.

Today there are still some people that believe a closed adoption is safer, because they worry that the birth parents may come back and try to take the child.  People mainly have this fear because of dramatized movies or media reports that lead them to believe that this could be a possibility.  This is just simply not true.  In the adoption program today, laws are in place to prevent this from happening.  Once the adoption process is complete, the adopted child legally belongs to the adoptive parents.

In a closed adoption, the files are literally sealed.  In the past, it was common for children to not even know that they had been adopted, and they knew nothing about their birth parents.  In today’s society, most people who choose to adopt a child are open and honest with that child about their adoption, and usually from a young age.  It typically helps them adjust to the fact that they have been adopted if they are aware of it most of their lives.  Closed adoptions are still common in International adoptions.

OPEN ADOPTIONS:

Many adoption professionals have varying ideas of what an open adoption means.  What it basically means, is that there is communication between the birth parents and the adoptive parents before and after the baby is born, and the adoption is complete.  In an open adoption, the birth mother giving up her baby for adoption usually has the choice of who the adoptive parents will be.  It is common for the adoption agency to give the birth parents biographies of prospective parents, and the birth parents pick the family they are the most comfortable with.  The birth parents and the adoptive parents meet, and they may also be in touch frequently throughout the pregnancy.  Many times the adoptive parents may even be able to witness the birth of the child. 

In an open adoption, some families will stay in touch throughout the child’s life.  Depending on what the initial agreement is between the adoptive parents and the birth parents, this can mean many different things.  In some instances, the birth parents will receive pictures of the child, along with letters telling them about how the child is doing.  It is not uncommon in an open adoption, for both families to speak on the phone or even meet face to face occasionally.  An open adoption makes it possible for the child who was adopted, to have a normal life with not only his or her adoptive parents, but also with the birth parents.  If this arrangement begins before the birth of the child, they are not suddenly hit with the announcement that they have been adopted, as an older child or even as an adult.  This can be a very difficult thing for a person to find out later in life.  Many times in an open adoption both the birth parents and the adoptive parents become good friends, which is also beneficial to the child.

SEMI OPEN ADOPTIONS

There is also such a thing as a semi open adoption. This falls somewhere in between a closed adoption and an open adoption. The adoptive family and the birth parents will know some basic information about each other.  They will know each other’s names and the state they live in.  What they won’t have though, is each other’s addresses or phone numbers, or any other contact information.  In a semi open adoption, while contact information is not shared, they will be able to meet each other before the adoption.  After the adoption though, if they want to contact the other party, they do it through the adoption agency. They can send letters and pictures to the adoption agency, and then the adoption agency will repackage the information, so that it doesn’t have any identifying information, such as a return address.  Then they forward it on to the family.

When people are considering adoption, they generally start out thinking that they would like it to be a closed adoption or even a semi open adoption. Often times though, they meet the other family, and after getting to know them, decide that they would prefer an open adoption after all.

Posted in Adoptive Family, Birth Mothers, International Adoption | Leave a comment

Utah Adoption Laws

Posted on October 8, 2010 by cmcneil

If you live in Utah and want to adopt a child, or would like to give your baby up for adoption, there are 10 things you need to know about Utah’s adoption laws.

1)   In all Utah adoptions, consent to adoption of a child or relinquishment of a child for adoption is required from:

  • Both parents, or the surviving parent of a child who was conceived or born within a marriage
  • The mother of a child who is born outside of marriage
  • Any biological parent who has been legally declared to be the child’s biological father by the courts, prior to the mother’s execution of consent to the adoption or her relinquishment of the child for adoption
  • Any biological parent who has executed and filed a voluntary declaration of paternity with the State registrar of vital statistics within the Department of Health, prior to the mother’s execution of consent to adoption or her relinquishment of the child for adoption
  • An unmarried father of the child, only if he strictly complies with requirements to develop a substantial relationship with the child, openly acknowledges himself to be the father, initiates paternity proceedings and agrees to support the child
  • The person or agency to whom the child has been relinquished, that is placing the child for adoption

2)   A minor parent has the control in a Utah adoption to relinquish his or her rights, and put his or her child up for adoption.  The consent or relinquishment of the child is valid, and holds the same power that an adult parent’s consent does.  When a minor decides to give up their baby for adoption they are not entitled to revoke that consent once that parent reaches the age of 18 or has become emancipated.

3)   If the child to be adopted is over the age of 12, they must also give their consent to the Utah adoption.

4)   The consent of a parent is not always needed in Utah adoptions. There are some situations when it is not necessary.  If the child to be adopted is over the age of 18, parental consent is not required.

5)   The consent of the father is not mandatory if:

  • The court determines that the unmarried biological father’s rights should be terminated, based on the petition of any interested party.
  • The unmarried father fails to comply with requirements of the state to prove his paternity of the child.
  • A Declaration of paternity declaring the unmarried biological father to be the father of the child is withdrawn.

6)   A biological father is not required to consent, or be notified of the Utah adoption proceedings, in cases where the child to be given up for adoption was conceived in a manner of sexual misconduct, regardless of whether or not the father was formally charged with or convicted of a criminal offense.

7)   The birth mother may not consent to giving up her baby for adoption, until at least 24 hours after the baby is born.  The consent or relinquishment by another person may be given at any time, including prior to the birth of the child.

8)   In a Utah adoption, a consent or relinquishment by a birth mother or an adopted person shall be signed before a judge of any court that has jurisdiction over the Utah adoption proceedings.  It must also be signed before a person who is authorized by a licensed child-placing agency to take consents or relinquishments, as long as the signature is notarized or witnessed by two individuals who are not members of the birth mother’s immediate family.

9)   If the consent or relinquishment of the birth mother, or the adopted person must be taken out of state, it must be signed before:

  • A court that has jurisdiction over adoption proceedings in the state where the consent or relinquishment is taken
  • A person who is authorized by a child-placing agency to take consents or relinquishments
  • A person authorized or appointed to take consents or relinquishments by a court of this state that has jurisdiction over adoption proceedings
  • A person authorized, under the laws of the state where the consent or relinquishment is taken, to take consents or relinquishments of a birth mother or adopted person

10)  In a Utah adoption any single adult may be eligible to adopt.  Also, married couples and step parents may adopt a child.  The adoptive parent must be at least 10 years older than the adopted child is.  In the case of a married couple, only one of the parents must be 10 years older than the adoptee.  A married person may not adopt without the consent of his or her spouse unless they are legally separated.  Couples who are living together but are not legally married will not be eligible for a Utah adoption.

Posted in Resources by State | 1 Comment

20 Tips for traveling in Haiti

Posted on October 8, 2010 by cmcneil

Before the devastating earthquake in Haiti on January 12, 2010, there were 300,000 orphans in Haiti.  Since the earthquake, those numbers have drastically increased.  If you have considered an African adoption, you may want to think about a Haitian adoption. As you will find in your international adoption information, it may be necessary for you to travel to Haiti, to escort your new adopted child home.  There are 20 important facts you should know about traveling to Haiti.

1.    For your first trip to Haiti, you should travel with someone who is familiar with the language and customs that will act as your guide.  Haiti is a dysfunctional country with very few services for tourists.

2.    While traveling to Haiti for your Haitian adoption, don’t expect luxury.  Basic services such as electricity, often don’t work.  A trip to Haiti will involve many inconveniences.

3.    Expect extreme poverty.  Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere.  Because of the poverty, foreigners are often asked for money.  Travelers, who respond to requests for money or gifts, will be overwhelmed with the amount of people who will crowd around them asking for more.

4.    Leave all your valuables at home.  Don’t travel with excess money, jewelry, or expensive clothes.  Pickpockets are very skilled.  During your travel to Haiti for your Haitian adoption, you should carry the majority of your money in a money belt underneath your clothing, and carry a small amount in your pocket for minor expenses.

5.    Dress appropriately.  Haitians very seldom wear shorts outside of their homes.  Men should wear long pants, and women should wear long full skirts while in public.

6.    If you plan on using the local transportation, during your Haitian adoption, be sure to travel light.  You will be required to carry everything you bring on your lap during the trip.  Also, keep a very close eye on your bags.

7.    During your African adoption experience, you need to pay close attention to your surroundings.  Hazardous conditions of sidewalks and roads are not marked like they are in the United States.  It is not uncommon for sidewalks to have gaping holes to the sewers below.  Traffic is crazy, and drivers will not stop for pedestrians.  Drivers use both sides of the road and will even drive on the sidewalks.  Always pay very close attention to what is going on around you.

8.    Always wear shoes.  The grounds and streets in Haiti are far from sanitary.  Hookworms and other parasites are very common, and enter through the feet.  Never go barefoot.

9.    The official language in Haiti is French, but most people speak Haitian Creole, which is a combination of French and African Languages.

10.  The government in Haiti is very unstable.  If you plan on traveling to Haiti to continue with your Haitian adoption, you may want to research travel advisories given out by the U.S. State Department.  Political rallies, and times before elections are particularly hazardous, and you may be advised to not travel at that time.

11.  Public restrooms are very rare, so it is necessary for Haitians to urinate along the streets.  Men will simply turn around, and Haitian women use their long skirts to hide themselves.

12.  You should probably purchase a health insurance policy for International travel during your Haitian adoption. It will cover evacuation if there is a medical need.  Haitian health care centers do not meet the same standards as the United States medical facilities.

13.  You should take the same precautions with food and water that you would take in any third world country.  Make sure that all food you eat is fully cooked.  Do not drink any water that is not bottled.  Also, be sure to take plenty of anti-diarrheal medication, including a filled prescription.

14.  Don’t bother to take travelers checks.  They are almost impossible to change.  There are some ATMs in Port-au-prince, but they are not always reliable.  Some hotels will take credit cards, but U.S. Currency is probably the best back-up.

15.  Violent crime is prevalent in Haiti. There have been kidnappings, carjacking, murders, and theft.  If travel is required to continue with your Haitian adoption, then you should register your trip with the U.S. State Department on their website.

16.  Don’t take pictures of people without their permission.

17.  Travel in pairs or small groups.

18.  Make sure to leave the car you are using, locked at all times, and leave the windows up.

19.  Temperatures range in Haiti from 68-95 degrees.

20.  Haitian people are very warm and friendly.  They are extremely strong and resilient because of the horrible poverty.  An easy way to break the ice with them is just a simple “Bonsoir,” and a smile.  Visitors who take the time to get to know the Haitian people are greatly rewarded.

Posted in International Adoption, Travel & Adoption | Leave a comment

Chinese Adoptions

Posted on October 8, 2010 by cmcneil

Chinese adoptions are becoming increasingly popular among American families today.  In the last 10 years, more Americans have adopted internationally than in the previous 10 years.  China was the top facilitator of international adoptions, with thousands of Chinese children finding homes in the United States every year.

The Chinese adoption process is rather clear, and well regulated, however there have been some major restructurings of adoption policies made, tightening some of the restrictions and requirements concerning who can adopt and what kind of children can be adopted. If you are interested in Chinese adoption there are some things you should know.

All applicants after May 1, 2007 must meet new requirements that include age, marital status, income, weight, medical history, criminal history, and others.  The Chinese International adoption program is one of the most stable programs available for International adoption.  China is the country that most Americans have chosen to adopt from since the year 2000.  Most children are healthy, but simply unwanted.  Because of China’s single child policy, most children available for adoption are girls, including infants to 6 years of age.  There are some boys available for Chinese adoption, but not as frequently as girls. Older and special needs children are also available. These children reside mostly in orphanages and sometimes in foster care.    .

Only adoptions that are fully completed in China are permitted. It is not possible to obtain guardianship of a Chinese child for adoption in the United States. The China Adoption Law has specific provisions as to what children are available for adoption and what adoptive parents are acceptable.

Adoptive parent requirements for people seeking Chinese adoption:

§ China requires adoptive parents to be at least 30 years old and under the age of 50. Prospective parents seeking to adopt an older child, or a special needs child, may be able to adopt up to the age of 55. China will not accept single applicants.

§ A minimum two years of marriage is required. If one or both applicants were previously married, a minimum of five years of marriage is required. No more than two divorces per spouse are allowed.

§ Prospective parents need to be healthy, both mentally and physically. China requires that applicants have no physical or mental handicaps, including: blindness, deafness, severe facial deformities, and physical disabilities. Further, China will not allow applicants to adopt if they have a body mass index of greater than 40, or if they are being treated, or have been treated for a mental disorder (including depression) in the last two years.

§ Parents seeking Chinese adoption cannot have a criminal history, although some exceptions can be made for minor offenses.

§ Prospective parents can have no history of drug or alcohol abuse including the abuse of prescription medications.

Another very important requirement for Chinese international adoption is that the family must have a net worth of at least $80,000. This includes a standard $10,000 annual income per family member, including the adopted child, for a minimum income of $30,000 a year for a family of three. This income cannot include pensions, unemployment insurance, or other government funds.

The prospective family seeking a Chinese adoption can have up to four children in the family already, with the youngest being no younger than one year old.  There are exceptions made for couples willing to adopt a special needs child.  Only a childless couple will be allowed to adopt twins.

When a couple is participating in a Chinese adoption, they will be required to travel to China.  It is recommended that both prospective parents travel, but it is required that at least one parent makes the journey.  The average time spent in China varies from 12 to 16 days.

The length of time that a Chinese International adoption may take from application to placement will vary from agency to agency.  A couple planning a China adoption can expect a wait of about three years.  Sometimes the process can be expedited when a couple is willing to take a child with special needs. A child that is considered “special needs” may only have a minor physical impairment that may easily be surgically corrected, so this is an option that may be worth taking into consideration.

Chinese international adoption is smoothly regulated, with set timelines, court appearances and regulated fees and costs. There are no surprises or hidden fees when adopting from China. One of the fees you’ll pay is an orphanage fee, which goes towards improving the other children’s quality of life.

The adoption agency that is chosen should be thoroughly researched before making a huge deposit, or signing any paperwork.  It may be a good idea to contact an adoption attorney as well to help with the process.

A Chinese adoption is one of the more affordable adoption options when a couple chooses to adopt internationally.   Most parents who adopt children from China are very happy with their decision, and say that they would gladly do it again.

Posted in International Adoption | Leave a comment

International Adoption Required Documents

Posted on October 7, 2010 by cmcneil

If you are interested in adopting a child, and have decided that an International adoption is right for you, there are a number of documents you will need to provide.  These documents will be referred to as your dossier.  Once you have all your documents together, they will go through an authentication process.  Your adoption agency will inform you of exactly what documents will be needed depending on which country you choose for your international adoption.  In general, the following documents are what you will need to provide.

1.   Birth Certificates. You and your spouse, if applicable, will be required to provide certified copies of your birth certificates.  To order these, you can contact the Vital Statistics department in the State Capital of the State you were born in. It is wise to order three copies, where you will need at least two for the International adoption process.

2.   Marriage Certificate.  If applicable, you will also need to provide three copies of your marriage certificate.  The official marriage certificate is considered to be notarized.  You can contact the Vital Statistics department in your state to get copies.  There will be a small fee involved.

3.   Home study.  If you live in the U.S. and are interested in an International adoption, you will need an adoption home study.  There is no set format that adoption agencies use to perform a home study for adoption. They must follow the general regulations of the state, but they have the freedom to develop their own application packet, policies, and procedures within those regulations.  Some adoption agencies will have prospective parents attend training classes or group orientation sessions, before they can move forward with the adoption program. Some adoption agencies will have their social workers meet with family members individually and then have them attend classes later on.  Usually staff members of the adoption agencies are willing to answer questions and guide prospective parents through the process.   The home study itself is a written report of the findings of the social worker after asking questions of the family members, both individually and collectively.  Most meetings are arranged at the social workers office, but there is usually at least one meeting in the home of the adopting parents.  The average adoption home study takes anywhere from 3-6 months to complete.  In general, the following information is included in the home study:  

·    Marriage and family relationships

·    Expectations for the child

·    Motivation to adopt

·    Personal and family background-including upbringing, siblings, key events, and what was learned from them

·    Significant people in the lives of the people wanting to adopt

·    Feelings about infertility (If this is an issue)

·    Family environment

·    Physical and health history of the applicants

·    Parenting and integration of the child into the family

·    Education, employment and finances-including insurance coverage and child care plans if needed

·    References and criminal background clearances

·    Summary and social worker’s recommendation

You will need three copies of the home study from your social worker.

4.   Financial Statements.  This is usually a one paged document put together by you regarding your financial situation.  This would include your assets, what your bank account balances are, what the income is of the prospective parents, etc.  This will need to be signed and notarized.  Your adoption agency will inform you of exactly what information will need to be on this statement.  You will need two or three copies of this document.

5.   Employer’s letter.  This will need to be on your employer’s letterhead. He or she simply needs to state what your position is with the company, how much you make, and how long you have been with the company.   If you are self-employed you will need your account to type this up on his or her stationary.  If you don’t have an accountant, find one that will do it based on your W-2 form or income tax return. This must be notarized.  Not the content, just the signature.  Also, make sure to get two or three copies.

6.   Medical letters.  Your adoption agency doing your home study will also want this, so make sure to get 2 copies.  You will need to have a basic physical.  Sometimes it takes a while to get an appointment for a physical, so you may want to make an appointment right away.  Your doctor will need to sign a letter on his or her own stationary, stating that you are in good health.  Sometimes there is a specific form to fill out, but your adoption agency will let you know if that is necessary.  Your adoption agency will provide this form to you, and it must be notarized.

7.   Police Report.  You are going to need some kind of statement from the police stating that you are not a criminal.  Some states require fingerprints, some do not. Your social worker, doing your home study, will need this, and you need a copy also. These must be notarized. Your social worker will help you with this.

8.   Divorce Decree. 3 copies. From the Bureau of Vital Statistics.

9.   Approval notice from INS. When you are involved in an International adoption, you must apply with USCIS (formerly know as the INS) to bring a child into this country that you have adopted. Call 1-800-870-3676 and request form I 600-A. Tell them that you need fingerprint cards with the forms, two sets for each person.

Posted in International Adoption | Leave a comment

Nevada Adoption Laws

Posted on October 7, 2010 by cmcneil

When dealing with the adoption program in the state of Nevada, whether you are planning to adopt a child, or you would like to give your baby up for adoption, there are several things you need to be aware of.  It is critical that you know about Nevada Adoption laws, so you are fully informed of all the steps you need to take.

First of all, in Nevada adoptions, both parents, if living, must provide written consent for the specific adoption, to the Nevada Adoption Agency. If one parent is deceased, then the other parent’s signature to relinquish rights to the child will be sufficient.  If a legal guardian has been appointed to the child, by the courts, then that guardian will be required to provide written consent.   If the child to be adopted is over the age of 14, then the child’s written consent will be required.

There are situations when parental consent is not required.  If one of the parents has been found legally insane for two years, and the courts have sufficient evidence to show that their insanity is incurable, then their consent is not required.  Also, a parent’s consent is not necessary when the parent’s rights have been terminated because of a courts decision that the parent is not competent.

In Nevada adoptions, consent to release parental rights, must be secured no sooner than 72 hours after the birth of the child.  If the birth mother provides her consent before the birth of the child, or any time during the 72 hours after the child is born, then her consent is considered to be invalid.

No consent to the specific adoption is valid unless it:

a)   Identifies the child to be adopted by name (if any), sex and date of birth.

b)   Is in writing and signed by the person consenting to the adoption.

c)   Is acknowledged by the person consenting and signing the consent to adoption in the matter and form required for conveyances of real property, in Nevada Adoption.

d)   It must contain the names of the person, or persons, who will be adopting the child.

e)   Must be signed by two competent and disinterested witnesses, who pronounced that they witnessed the person giving written consent to relinquish parental rights.

If neither the petitioner nor the spouse of the petitioner is related to the child, within the third degree of relationship by blood, then one of the witnesses must be a social worker employed by:

·    A Nevada adoption agency licensed to place children for adoption.

·    An agency that provides child welfare services.

·    A comparable State or County agency of another State.

·    An agency authorized under the laws of another State to place children for adoption, if the natural parent resides in that State.

A release executed by the father who is not married to the mother becomes invalid if:

·      The father of the child marries the mother of the child before the child is born.

·      The mother of the child does not execute a release for or consent to adoption of the child within 6 months after the birth of the child.

·      No petition for adoption of the child has been filed within 2 years after the birth of the child.

When the mother has consented to give up her baby for adoption to a specific family, she cannot revoke her consent unless the family has been found to be unsuitable, or that the adoption is in violation of Nevada’s adoption laws.

If a minor parent relinquishes her rights as a parent and gives up her baby for adoption, she cannot revoke it when she comes of age.

If you are planning to adopt a child using a Nevada adoption agency, you must be an adult, and you must be at least 10 years older than the person you wish to adopt.   If you are married, you and your spouse must apply to adopt jointly.  In the adoption program, a minor child may be adopted if they are 10 years younger than the adoptive parent or parents, and any adult may be adopted if they are younger than the adoptive parent.

Nevada State and County child welfare agencies and licensed private agencies offer a variety of services to:

·    The general public seeking basic information about adoption

·    Birth parents planning to give up baby for adoption

·    Families interested in adopting waiting special needs children; and healthy infants

·    Families interested in private/independent, interstate or international adoptions

·    Adult adopted persons (provided either through the Nevada Adoption Registry and/or the child welfare office or licensed private agency who handled their adoption)

·    Relatives related within the third degree of consanguinity of an adult adopted person (generally provided through the Nevada Adoption Registry)

Services offered vary from agency to agency so you are encouraged to contact your local public child welfare agency, or a Nevada adoption agency for more specific information.

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Utah Adoption Laws

Posted on October 7, 2010 by cmcneil

Every child deserves to have permanence in their lives.  Adoption services in Utah help place children that need a good home, where they can thrive and be loved and cared for.  When dealing with the adoption program in the state of Utah, it is helpful to know Utah’s laws and requirements that involve Utah adoption. Whether you are planning to adopt a child or you would like to give your baby up for adoption, being informed is a vitally important step.

First of all, in Utah adoptions, consent to adoption of a child, or relinquishment of a child for adoption is required from:

·    Both parents, or the surviving parent of a child who was conceived or born within a marriage

·    The mother of a child who is born outside of marriage

·    Any biological parent who has been legally declared to be the child’s biological father by the courts, prior to the mother’s execution of consent to the adoption or her relinquishment of the child for adoption

·    Any biological parent who has executed and filed a voluntary declaration of paternity with the State registrar of vital statistics within the Department of Health, prior to the mother’s execution of consent to adoption or her relinquishment of the child for adoption

·    An unmarried father of the child, only if he strictly complies with requirements to develop a substantial relationship with the child, openly acknowledges himself to be the father, initiates paternity proceedings and agrees to support the child.

·    The person or agency to whom the child has been relinquished, and that is placing the child for adoption.

A minor parent has the control in a Utah adoption to relinquish his or her rights, and put his or her child up for adoption.  Their consent or relinquishment of the child is valid, and holds the same power that an adult parent’s consent does.  When a minor decides to give up their baby for adoption they are not entitled to revoke that consent once that parent reaches the age of 18 or has become emancipated.

If they child to be adopted is over the age of 12, they must also give their consent to the Utah adoption.

The consent of a parent is not always needed in Utah adoption. There are some situations when it is not necessary.  If the child to be adopted is over the age of 18, parental consent is not required.  Also, the consent of the father is not mandatory if:

·    The court determines that the unmarried biological father’s rights should be terminated, based on the petition of any interested party.

·    The unmarried father fails to comply with requirements of the state to prove his paternity of the child.

·    A Declaration of paternity declaring the unmarried biological father to be the father of the child is rescinded.

A biological father is not required to consent, or be notified of the Utah adoption proceedings in cases where the child to be given up for adoption was conceived in a manner of sexual misconduct, regardless of whether or not the father was formally charged with or convicted of a criminal offense.

The birth mother may not consent to giving up her baby for adoption, until at least 24 hours after the baby has been born.  The consent or relinquishment by another person may be given at any time, including prior to the birth of the child.

In a Utah adoption, a consent or relinquishment by a birth mother or an adopted person shall be signed before a judge of any court that has jurisdiction over the Utah adoption proceedings.  It must also be signed before a person who is authorized by a licensed child-placing agency to take consents or relinquishments, so long as the signature is notarized or witnessed by two individuals who are not members of the birth mother’s immediate family.

If the consent or relinquishment of the birth mother, or the adopted person must be taken out of state, it must be signed before:

·    A court that has jurisdiction over adoption proceedings in the State where the consent or relinquishment is taken

·    A person who is authorized by a child-placing agency to take consents or relinquishments

·    A person authorized or appointed to take consents or relinquishments by a court of this State that has jurisdiction over adoption proceedings

·    A person authorized, under the laws of the State where the consent or relinquishment is taken, to take consents or relinquishments of a birth mother or adopted person

In a Utah adoption any single adult may be eligible to adopt.  Also, married couples and step parents may adopt a child.  The adoptive parent must be at least 10 years older than the child who will be adopted is.  In the case of a married couple, only one of the parents must be 10 years older the adoptee.  A married person may not adopt without the consent of his or her spouse unless they are legally separated.  Couples who are cohabitating but are not legally married will not be eligible for a Utah adoption.

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Considering Giving Your Baby Up For Adoption

Posted on October 7, 2010 by cmcneil

Pregnancy can be a very difficult situation for a woman to be faced with let alone an unplanned pregnancy or unfortunate changes in life circumstances.  Sometimes, a birth mother may not be ready emotionally or financially to take on the role of mother and caregiver to another person.  She is then faced with the choice of what to do about the pregnancy.  Giving up a baby for adoption is option, but many mothers struggle with make the decision and might have a stigma attached to the thought of placing their child with another family. Adoption gives the baby a chance to be raised by a family that is ready and willing to have a child, and in many cases the child has a chance for a better life than the birth mother may be able to provide at that time. Additionally, it can give the birth mother the opportunity to continue with her goals and dreams in life. Giving up a baby for adoption is actually a very loving and selfless act.  If you find yourself in this situation and decide that adoption is best for you and your baby here are a few things you might want to consider.

Make sure that adoption is really right for you.  While it is a loving and selfless thing to do, it means that you are permanently giving up your parental rights and the custody of your baby to the adoptive parent or parents.  If you aren’t really sure that giving up the baby for adoption is something you can live with, maybe you should take more time to think through your decision.

Next, you need to consider if you would like to have an open adoption or a closed adoption.  An open adoption means that the birth mother would get to choose who the adoptive parents would be.  In some cases she would even be able to have contact with the child as the child grows up.  A closed adoption means the adoption agency decides where the baby is placed, and the birth mother has little, if any say.  She will no longer be able to have any contact with the child.

Contact a reputable adoption agency. They can advise you of all the steps and procedures that must be taken to continue with the adoption program. A counselor at the adoption agency will meet with you and discuss the different types of adoption, your options, and the legal information you will need. They will guide you through the process from beginning to end.

Make your final decision on the options that you are provided with.  Inform your adoption agency of your final decisions.  They will move forward with the adoption process and their attorneys will handle the required paperwork that is necessary to terminate your parental rights.   You will be asked to sign the legal documents that will finalize the adoption, and give the baby to the adoptive family.

Before, during and after the adoption process, it would be wise to seek support.  The choice to give your baby up for adoption is a very difficult and heart wrenching decision.  Look to your family and friends to help you get through these hard times, but understand not everyone will be supportive.  It is advisable seek counseling, or support groups.  It is often helpful to talk to other women who have been in your situation.  There are many different kinds of resources available to birth mothers that can help you through this challenging time.  Each offers something a little different, but all of them try to offer you support, encouragement and adoption related information.

The following are just a few of the many resources available to help support birth mothers through the adoption process, and help them cope with their choice to give up their baby for adoption.

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