If you are facing an unplanned pregnancy and have decided to place your baby for adoption you may be wondering how to choose an adoptive family. At
Family Connections, Inc. we believe in the birth parent's right to make their own decisions and giving birth parents the ability to make an adoption plan that works for them.
When looking at adoptive families, birth parents should only consider qualified/approved prospective adoptive parents for their child. All adoptive families must be approved by an authorized adoption agency or the courts in the State in which they live to be eligible to adopt a child. Each State has different requirements for the approval of adoptive parents. New York State has strict requirements for prospective adoptive parents. Any family planning to adopt a child must successfully complete a home study investigation conducted by an authorized adoption agency or licensed social worker. Knowing the process an adoptive family goes through to become qualified can help birth parents feel more comfortable with their choices. So what does it mean to be a qualified adoptive family?
To qualify as an adoptive family in New York State, a family must successfully complete a home study investigation that includes the following:
- A meeting with a qualified social worker face-to-face. The social worker must interview each prospective adoptive parent, their minor children, and any adult household members.
- A home inspection by a qualified social worker to ensure the safety of the home for a child.
- Child abuse and neglect history reviews from any state and country in which the prospective adoptive parents and any adult household members have lived as an adult. NO person with a history of child abuse, neglect or maltreatment will be approved as an adoptive parent. All approved adoptive parents have NO history of child abuse, neglect or maltreatment.
- State and federal criminal history reviews conducted by the New York State Department of Justice Services and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). NO person with a criminal history of violence or endangering the welfare of a child will be approved as an adoptive parent.
- Medical examinations for the prospective adoptive parents, minor children, and any adult household members.
- Autobiographies of the prospective adoptive parents.
- Verification of income, assets and liabilities.
- References from friends, clergy, co-workers, childcare providers, etc.
- Proof of birth and marriage.
- Adoptive parent questionnaires and surveys.
- Adoption preparatory training (requirements vary depending upon agency).
At the conclusion of the home study investigation, a family will either be approved as a prospective adoptive family or denied approval as adoptive parents. All prospective adoptive parents who are considered by a birth parent must be approved as adoptive parents at the conclusion of their home study investigation. A birth parent can be assured that any prospective adoptive family they wish to consider for their child is fully investigated and well prepared to parent a child in a loving and safe home.
At Family Connections, Inc. we can help you explore your adoption options. Family Connections, Inc. is a New York State authorized adoption agency. If you would like more information about adoption you can contact Renee or Anita at 607-756-6574 or 1-800-535-5556. You can also contact us at info@adoptfamilyconnections.org . Family Connections, Inc. provides adoption services throughout New York State including in Syracuse, Rochester, Cortland, Binghamton, Elimra, Corning, Watertown, Albany, New York City, and all towns in between. We look forward to supporting your adoption plans.
All communication is confidential. All services are free to birth parents.
Let Us Know What You Thought about this Post.
Put your Comment Below.