What is Adoption?

Adoption is the legal and social means by which a child becomes a member of a family other than the family of birth.  Adoptive parent(s) have all the rights and responsibilities of parents.

Through adoption, children receive families of their own.  Today more “openness” in planning adoption lets birth parent(s) take part in the placement process as fully as possible.

Who Are The Children?

Children who need adoptive families live in all 50 states and in other countries.  They come from all racial and ethnic groups and range in age from infants to teenagers.  The children are:

·         Infants whose birth parent(s) make an adoptive plan.

·         Waiting children-who come under the guardianship of the State.

·         International-children in other countries.

How Do Children Become Free For Adoption?

A child becomes free for adoption through specific legal procedures.  These procedures are different in every state.  In Minnesota, children are freed for adoption when the birth parent(s) sign a voluntary consent to the child’s adoption.  The birth parent(s) have a short period of time to change their mind(s) after signing consents.  A child may also become free for adoption through a voluntary or involuntary court procedure to end parental rights.  The birth parent(s) has a short period of time to appeal the Court’s order.

Why Is Special Family Preparation Needed?

Individuals interested in adopting a child need special family preparation because adoption is a legal process with great psychological, emotional and cultural impact.  The adopted child’s understanding of the meaning of adoption becomes more complex as he or she grows to maturity.  Adoptive parents need to understand and address their child’s unfolding understanding of adoption.  Additionally, the concerns of birthparents must also be recognized.  These factors add an extra dimension to parenting and must be understood by prospective adoptive parents.

What Is An Adoption Home Study?

An adoption home study is an opportunity for adoptive parent(s) to explore the realities of adoption, including what to expect during the adoption process, the type of child the family is interested in parenting, birth parent issues and other information to prepare the family for adoption.

Who Are Washington State’s Waiting Children?

Many children with special needs are wards of the State and need adoptive families.  They often need specific health, education and other help to meet their unique needs.  Parents who adopt children with special needs might get cash aid to help meet the child’s needs.  This aid comes from the Adoption Assistance program or the Non recurring Adoption Expense Reimbursement program.  Pictures of some children who need an adoptive family are featured in a photo album state wide.  You can learn more about these programs from OCOC/UJIMA and other agencies