They say adoption is a journey. Webster’s dictionary defines journey as “the act of travelling from one place to another, something suggesting travel or passage
from one place to another.” This truly is a fitting description of adoption. Having been on this journey, it can be daunting, long and frustrating, but also can be rewarding in the end. Although I am not sure there is an end to adoption, it is something that changes your life forever in the most wonderful way. You may not be travelling on an actual road, you are moving forward and closer to becoming the family you dream of. Maybe you have come to the decision to adopt because of infertility, or possibly you just want to add to your family through adoption. There are many different reasons people choose to adopt and each is completely unique to each family. What matters is how you approach the adoption process, and how you stay ever present in your quest to adopt.
One of the first steps to adopting is to research your options. Adopting domestically, either through an agency or privately, you will need to complete the home study process to become a qualified adoptive parent. If you choose an agency adoption, call different agencies and talk with them. Do they answer your questions completely? Do they take the time to help you thoroughly explore your options? An agency should offer to meet with you for an adoption consultation to help you understand your adoption options and the next steps involved in the adoption process. Choosing an agency you are comfortable with will help ease some of the worries you may have about the adoption process.
Once you have chosen the agency you want to work with you will then begin the paper work process. You will have many forms to fill out, at times this may seem overwhelming, but prioritizing the paperwork will help the process run smoothly. Your agency should provide you with a list of the needed paper work and documents. For a home study in New York State, these
documents may include the following, but they are not limited to:
- Medical reports for each prospective adoptive parent, any adult
household members, and any children in the home. - Child abuse information form stating name, date of birth and addresses
for each prospective adoptive parent and adult household member for the past 28 years. - Release of information agreement for child abuse clearances (this form
is provided so that the agency can obtain child abuse clearances from other States for each prospective adoptive parent and adult household member.) - Sworn statements of criminal history for each prospective adoptive
parent and adult household member. - Fingerprinting
- Financial disclosure statement ( you will attach documentation showing
assets, liabilities, and income) - An informational form that will include name, address, family information, employer, guardians, references, etc.
- Pictures of the family and home
- Autobiographies
- Duty to fully disclose statement
- Letters of Reference
- Birth certificates
- Marriage certificates (if applicable)
- Divorce decrees (if applicable)
Once you have completed the paperwork, your social worker will come for a home
visit. In the next blog, we will discuss the home visit interview and what to expect.
You are one more step closer on your journey to becoming an adoptive parent.
Family Connections, Inc., is a not-for-profit, New York State authorized adoption
agency that is Hague Accredited through the Council on Accreditation. The Agency provides home study services for families planning to adopt a child domestically or internationally. Family Connections, Inc. serves Syracuse, Buffalo, New York City, Rochester, Binghamton, Long Island, and all regions of New York State. You can learn more about Family Connections, Inc. at www.adoptfamilyconnections.org. Please call us at 1-800-535-5556 or 607-756-6574 or email us at info@adoptfamilyconnections.org we would be honored to help with your adoption plans.
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