Adoption is a profound and life-changing journey, full of confusion, anticipation, and often, a great deal of uncertainty. As an expectant parent, choosing the right adoption professional is a pivotal step. You want to ensure that you’re working with someone who not only understands the legal complexities of adoption but also provides the support and guidance you need. Here are three essential questions to ask your adoption professional to help you navigate this significant process:
1. Are you a licensed agency or attorney?
One of the first questions you should ask any individual or organization that is presenting themselves as an “adoption professional” is whether they are a licensed adoption agency or attorney. Licensing requirements can vary by state, but a licensed adoption agency or attorney must adhere to the legal and ethical standards required by their state and licensing board. This ensures that they have met certain qualifications and are held accountable for their practices. If the person you are communicating with cannot answer this question affirmatively and present you with a copy of their license, you should not continue working with them. Use caution when finding an adoption professional to work with. There are many unlicensed adoption providers who advertise as an “adoption agency” but are more like brokers who charge prospective adoptive parents significant matching fees for their services.
Why It Matters: Placing a child for adoption is the most difficult decision a person can make in their lives. Trust and ethical practices will be key for a successful process. Working with a licensed adoption agency or attorney helps safeguard your interests and ensures that you are receiving services from a reputable source. It also ensures that the adoption process will comply with state and federal regulations.
2. Will I have the support I need?
Adoption is a complex and emotional experience, and the level of support you receive can significantly impact your journey. Be sure to ask your adoption professional about the types of support they offer throughout the process. At a minimum, this should include options counseling, referrals to community and educational resources, access to legal advice, and emotional support both during the process and after placement. Your adoption professional shouldn’t hesitate to answer this question. Instead, they should welcome this question and openly share with you the types of support you can receive along your journey.
Why It Matters: Comprehensive support can help you navigate the emotional and legal aspects of the adoption process. It’s important to have access to resources that will assist you in understanding the process, your legal rights, and ongoing emotional support
3. What does contact after placement look like?
It is common for placing parents to want to remain connected to their child’s life while ensuring they have a secure and loving home. You may feel like you want to receive photos, videos, updates, and visit with your child as they grow up. Or you may feel unsure about any of those options. It’s okay either way. Every adoption plan and the types and amounts of communication between birth families and adoptive families are unique to their relationship. What is important is that you have a post-adoption contact agreement to help avoid any future misunderstandings between you and the adoptive parent(s).
Why It Matters: Clear expectations about post-adoption contact can help you and the adoptive parent(s) navigate the relationship more smoothly. Whether you envision ongoing communication or prefer minimal contact, knowing what to expect can help prevent misunderstandings and ensure that everyone involved feels respected and informed.
Choosing the right adoption professional is a significant step in the adoption journey, and asking these critical questions can help ensure you make an informed decision. By confirming that your adoption professional is a licensed agency or attorney, understanding the support they offer as part of their services, and knowing what to expect for post-adoption contact, you will be better equipped to walk through the adoption process with clarity and confidence that your needs and preferences will be respected.
Adoption Connection is a licensed adoption agency and a nationally recognized leader in open adoption. To connect with our team or begin your adoption journey, contact us today.
