How to Start the Adoption Process

Once you’ve reached the momentous decision of adopting a child, you may be unsure how to start the process. Sherry Hutchison, an experienced outreach coordinator with Adoption Connection PA, has advice for those beginning the adoption journey and has answered the most common questions that she hears.

We would love to adopt. Where do we start?
First off, congratulations! Adoption is a very big decision that can take time for a family to consider and then commit to. Once you have decided to adopt, you should look at agencies that can help you through the adoption process.

How do we choose an agency?
There are many reputable agencies. It’s important to develop a connection with the one you choose, as you and the staff will be working closely together. I tell people to:

• Ask around. The best referrals come from other families who have successfully adopted.

• Look online. Many adoption agencies have testimonials on their web sites. Gather information from a few agencies and start taking advantage of the free orientations they’ll likely offer. Compare them as you choose one that fits your family.

How do we learn about the many requirements needed to adopt?
Adoption agency requirements are different from state to state, just like birth parent rights. It is important to know your rights and educate yourself as to what is required. After filling out an application with an agency, you must be approved. A home study is performed. For some states, home studies require references and different types of clearances (state, criminal & FBI) and an application fee. Other mandatory paperwork for the approval document may include:

• Family financial statement with verification of income
• Employment verifications
• Home safety questionnaire
• Physical exam form
• Personal health history checklist (children in the home must have immunization records up to date)
• Biographical questionnaire
• Birth certificates, marriage license, divorce decree or death certificate
• Driver’s licenses and car and home owner’s insurance

Interviews with the family and home safety checks are all completed prior to the writing of the approval document.

What questions should we ask the adoption agency?
It’s very important that you have the opportunity to get your questions answered. Consider asking:

• How long does the adoption process usually take?
• How much will it cost? Are there hidden fees?
• How many birth mothers have you worked with over the last year?
• What should we keep in mind during this process?

When researching agencies, I want to stress the absolute importance of feeling comfortable with the agency you choose. At ACPA, for example, we take real pride in our level of communication. We've served families who were not satisfied with their current agency, but appreciated how much we worked with adoptive parents, and so they chose to work with us. We have many individuals working at our agency who have a personal connection to adoption and who can talk from experience. To some families, that makes a difference.

Adoption Connection PA is a full service, non-profit, faith-based adoption and foster care agency located in Beaver, PA.