Child Adoption: Everything You Need to Know

Adoption is a fundamentally life-changing process for everyone involved. But that’s also why the child adoption process is often lengthy and difficult.

Authorities need to put extensive care and consideration into every case so that children are properly protected. However, if you keep the following elements in mind, you’ll be able to navigate this process in a smooth and efficient manner.

The Childhood Adoption Process in the United States

The adoption process can seem chaotic if you’re coming into it blind. However, the process largely follows a few specific checkpoints.

You can make the adoption go smoothly by preparing for each of the following steps. And of course, it’s equally important to discuss this with your partner so that you’re both working as a unified front.

  • Education: Learning your new responsibilities
  • First contact and orientation: Contacting and learning from an adoption agency
  • Interviews: A home study and interviews with social workers
  • Placement and finalization: An expectant family is matched with a child, and a judge finalizes the process

 How Long Does the Adoption Process Take?

How long does the adoption process take? Expectant parents are typically and understandably eager to speed up the process.

The simple but often unsatisfying answer is that there’s no way to be certain how long it’ll take to adopt a child. This is simply due to the number of factors involved. However, you can get a rough idea of the overall timeframe by considering the following factors.

Form of Adoption

Adopting from domestic foster care will generally take about half to one full year. This timeframe includes interviews and the time it’ll take to prepare for the various steps in the process.

International adoption will typically slow down the process due to the complexities of international law. This is somewhat mitigated by the Hague Convention, which provides an agreed-upon framework for adoption that member countries all adhere to.

Age and Other Unique Variables

Adoption is ultimately about matching uniquely compatible individuals together to create a family. While part of what makes adoption beautiful, it also complicates matters.

Any element that you’re looking for in a child, such as age, gender, or ethnicity, can make the process move faster or slower. The process is ultimately limited by the simple fact that a child with your requirements needs to be within the system for the adoption to proceed. If there aren’t any compatible matches for your requirements, then you’ll have to wait until one appears. To summarize, these are the main points to consider when estimating a timeframe.

  • General expectation: 6 to 12 months
  • Nationality: Domestic adoption is typically faster than international
  • Unique variables: The more particular you are, the longer it’ll probably take

Common Myths About Childhood Adoption

Adoption is a normal part of life in most countries. However, despite the practice’s ubiquity, it’s a bit of a mystery to most people. Some of these misunderstandings are centered around how the normal aspects of parenting apply to adopted children. But there’s also confusion about elements unique to adoption.

The adoption process is surrounded by myths and misunderstandings. The following are the most significant for anyone contemplating becoming an adoptive parent.

Age

Many people presume that you can only adopt children of a particular age. The most common assumption people make is that only babies can be adopted.

In reality, a significant number of adolescent children need loving homes. Siblings sometimes go into the system together as well.

Behavioral Issues

Many people assume that children in the system will have behavioral issues due to past trauma. And it’s true that many children who are looking for a family lost theirs through difficult circumstances.

However, children are inherently capable of growth and healing. They’re typically able to find peace with the past and grow into a happy future when given a stable environment and love.

Demographics, Wealth, and Relationships

The media often portrays adoptive parents as a traditional, young, financially well-off, heterosexual couple. In reality, adoption requirements are more about the child’s overall well-being in an environment.

Can you and your partner provide an actual home and love for a child? Are you willing to learn how to take care of young lives? If so, then there’s a very good chance that you’re eligible to adopt a child.

The Other Side of the Spectrum: Adoption for Women Experiencing Unplanned Pregnancy

Of course, the adoption process isn’t just difficult for those looking to bring a new family member into their home. It’s also an arduous process for women experiencing unplanned pregnancies.

For these individuals, an all-in-one resource platform for adoption and adoption resources did not exist… until now.

Plana is an app and web-based platform that ensures no woman faces an unplanned pregnancy alone. It provides medical, legal, financial, housing, mentoring, and adoption support to women, ensuring access to life-affirming and life-changing care regardless of their socioeconomic status.

If you are experiencing an unplanned pregnancy, and looking for single mother resources, contact Plana today.

Bringing It All Together and Moving Forward With the Plan

Each state has different quirks that you’ll learn about during the education phase. However, in general, the process of adoption is fairly straightforward once you understand the basics.

For mothers experiencing an unplanned pregnancy, however, the process is far more arduous. Luckily, with resources and platforms such as Plana, getting the support you need is now much easier. 

Whether you’re growing your family, or experiencing an unplanned pregnancy, Plana might be the solution for you.

Felicia Wilson

Written by Felicia Wilson

With over a decade of writing experience, Felicia has contributed to numerous publications on topics like health, love, and personal development. Her mission is to share knowledge that readers can apply in everyday life.

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