Trying to choose between international and domestic adoption? Maybe you have already decided on domestic, but are still unsure of what the process involves. If that is the case, you might benefit from reading this post – it will provide you with answers to quite a few unanswered questions you have about domestic adoption!
What legal status do you obtain?
Through domestic adoption, an adopted child becomes the legal child of the adoptive family, so any fears about losing your baby after you have already adopted should be forgotten. Just like giving birth to one, adopting a child is a natural way of creating a family.
What information do you get about the birth parents?
Couples adopting domestically are usually provided with more detailed medical records and social history of the birth parents. When adopting internationally, parents may not have access to a child’s medical history. Information about birth parents in a domestic adoption can also include OB/GYN pregnancy history, legal situation, family history, social history, as well as hobbies and interests.
Do you get to meet the birth parents?
Contact with the birth family can be arranged, and this can be done in a way that suits both parties. Through open communication, birth parents and adoptive parents can set a level of contact they are comfortable maintaining.
How is the cost of the adoption process determined?
It is a common misconception that domestic adoptions cost more than international adoptions. The reality is that the cost of adoption varies depending on a number of factors. One of the most important ones is the arrangement between birth parents and adoptive parents.
How long does the process last?
Another misconception about domestic adoption is that it takes an incredibly long time. Some families do wait two years or more to adopt a baby, but the truth is that around 75% of families adopt a baby within two to twelve months. Waiting time depends on the adoption plan which usually includes considerations of the race of the baby, whether the adoption is going to be closed or open, what the family’s budget is, and many more.
What kind of information will you need to disclose?
Just like every other type, domestic adoption involves filling out paperwork and completing a home study. This means you will need to give the agency your personal, medical, financial and criminal information. You will also need to let them into your home so they can determine what kind of upbringing you would be able to provide.
Do domestic adoptions involve travel?
Couples pursuing a domestic adoption should be ready to travel if they are adopting a newborn baby. They should visit the birth mother and stay wherever she lives until after the baby is born and released from the hospital. Otherwise, in a local adoption circumstance, there isn’t a definite need to travel.
What are the benefits of choosing domestic adoption?
There are two major benefits to choosing this type of adoption. The first is that you will have access to many support groups, and you will have no trouble finding advice for most of the issues you encounter along the way. The second is that you will be able to provide your child with information regarding their birth parents, which is not as readily available in international adoptions.
How many people choose domestic adoptions?
Domestic adoption accounts for a significant portion of all adoptions. For example, in the United States nearly 45% of all adoptions are domestic adoptions. This means that if you choose this type of adoption, you may rest assured that you will be in good company!
