ADVENTIST ADOPTION AND FAMILY SERVICES

For those people wanting to adopt a State child, there is really no limit. However, since our birth parents are allowed to choose the family who will adopt their child, couples between the age of 25 and 45 tend to receive more placements.

In international adoptions, the recommended age group varies according to the country. "In Asian countries, age actually is viewed as an indicator of stability. In other countires, the age of the parent(s) is generally not a problem. However, we do ask the country officials if we suspect a problem."--International Family Services

3. What if finances are an issue?

Probably the answer for you would be to adopt a special needs child. The State will pay for all of the adoption fees and may reimburse you for other expenses related to the adoption. In many cases, the State may also agree to continue paying a monthly sum after the adoption is finalized depending on the needs of the child and family. The State acknowledges the large number of children needing families and has taken steps to make sure financial reasons aren't keeping good families from adopting these children.

4. Are birth parents able to change their minds and take their children back?

Each state has different rules about how long a birth parent has to change their minds about placing their child in an adoptive home. For example, in Washington, a birth parent has 48 hours from the time they sign relinquishment of parental rights paperwork before their decision becomes irrevocable. In Oregon, their decision becomes irrevocable as soon as they sign. Other states have a waiting period of several days or weeks. In each case, the adopting family would be notified of the length of time before a birth parents decision would become final.

If the adopting family is willing to take the risk of a birth parent changing their mind during that period, and would like the baby placed with them as soon as possible, our staff would ask the adopting family to read and sign a "Legal Risk" document stating they understood the birth parent could change their mind for a few more hours, days or weeks, depending on the circumstances. This is a decision the adopting family must carefully consider, as it would be painful to have to return a child to the birth parent. However, a family may decide this risk would be out-weighed by the chance to have a baby placed with them sooner. There is one exception to the irrevocability of the relinquishment paperwork. In some states, a birth parent would have a certain period of time (possibly a year) to prove in a court there were extenuating circumstances forcing them to place their baby against their will, such as a mental illness or threat of physical harm from a secondary party. However, our staff carefully screens each birth parent and works to ensure this would never happen. Our agency has NEVER had a birth parent challenge an adoption because of this type of circumstance. If you have additional concerns about this issue, please contact our office and speak with one of our caseworkers. We would be happy to talk further with you about this issue.

5. What about birth parent or child searches?

Occasionally, a birth parent or adoptee may wish to make contact with the their child or biological parent(s). In most cases, this is after a child is no longer a minor. Our staff will attempt to reach a birth parent or adoptee to inform them of the request for contact. This can be an emotional event; we will help each party to understand the significance of the request as well as to help them be better prepared for a letter or phone contact. In some cases, it will be helpful for one or both parties to receive individual counseling through a pastor or other service.