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Adoption Process:
Q. If we adopt through Bethany, how long will it take before we’re parents?
A. Typically, our families adopt within one to two years from the time the Home Study is completed. (Much of the waiting time depends on what you’re open to and birth parent selecting a couple.)
Q. What is involved in a Home Study?
A. At Bethany, the Home Study is a joint process between you, the adoptive couple and our social workers to help decide if adoption is the right avenue for you and your spouse. After you submit all of the necessary paperwork, a social worker meets with you 3-4 times to discuss a variety of issues, including marriage and parenting. They assist you in preparing for the process and answer any questions you may have. We will also assess your home and give you guidelines for baby-proofing.
The time it takes to complete your home study varies depending upon when you attend an orientation, and how quickly you submit the paperwork into the office. We’ll work with you to get it done as quickly as possible. Motivated couples can complete the whole process within 2-4 months. Once this process is finished, we’ll help you prepare your “Adoptive Family Profile” for birth parents to review.
Minority and Transracial Adoptions:
Q. Do you need families to adopt children of minority and/or mixed races?
A. YES!!!! Bethany is always looking for Christian families who would welcome the opportunity to adopt children from various racial and ethnic backgrounds. Today’s most pressing need is to find adoptive families for infants of Hispanic, Latino and African-American descent.
Designated Adoptions:
Q. If we have made contact with a birth mother who wants us to adopt her child, can Bethany work with us?
A. Yes. You and the birth mother can participate in a “Designated Adoption” in which Bethany can be involved in a variety of ways. Some of the requirements for this service vary from our traditional adoption program. The cost and fee structure is also different. Please contact us to find out more information.
Fees:
Q. How much will this cost?
A. The fees for our services are all inclusive: it covers the cost of your training, the home study, birthparent counseling, termination of parental rights, placement and assistance with finalization. Our fees are on a sliding scale basis depending on the adoptive couple’s financial situation. They range from $18,000-22,000. Please visit the financing adoption section to view creative ways to help with the costs of adoption.
Birthparents:
Q. If we adopt through Bethany, will the birthmother receive counseling before and after placement?
A. YES! We counsel birthparents pre and post adoption for as long as they desire. This includes on average 2 to 4 times a month post placement.
Q. Do the birth parents have six months to change their mind and request the return of their child?
A. NO! Voluntary relinquishment adoption is the most secure adoption in California. The rights of the birth parents are terminated shortly after delivery and become binding when these documents are acknowledged by the State Department of Social Services within a maximum of 10 business days. Every attempt is made to clarify the rights of the birth parents and to terminate them appropriately. Adopting through a reputable agency is the safest type of adoption in California.
Openness:
Q. Does Bethany do open adoptions?
A. Yes, the majority of our domestic adoptions are open. Traditional closed adoptions have become quite rare. It is common for birth parents to be actively involved in selecting and meeting their child’s adoptive parents, and having on-going communication through the years.
We understand that at this point, you may have many fears about open adoption and may be hesitant to consider this type of arrangement. However, over the years, we have found that adoptive families who are involved in open adoption come to be its strongest advocates. The relationships that develop between birth parents and adoptive parents are based on mutual trust and respect - with clear boundaries.
Currently there is more research underway exploring this and other adoption questions than at any time in history. All significant published studies are indicating that open adoption is a healthier form of adoption. There is no such research indicating otherwise. There is a wide range of options in open adoption. We believe that education, counseling and mediation for all parties are vital in creating a successful adoption.
Faith:
Q. We know you place children in Christian homes. What does that mean?
A. Through the traditional adoption program, Bethany will only place children with families who acknowledge and confess Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, and who give clear evidence in their living experience of this confession, including active participation in a church which shares their confession and builds them up in their faith. Bethany Christian Services is primarily an evangelical, interdenominational ministry, which includes fellow believers who worship across many different Christian denominations and fellowships.
Age:
Q. Does Bethany have age requirements?
A. Bethany does not have specific age limitations. However, the majority of the birth parents we serve are seeking adoptive couples under the age of 45.
Financial Requirements:
Q. Do we need a certain level of income or to own a home to adopt?
A. You do not need to be financially wealthy or to own a home to adopt. We are looking to see that you have an adequate level of income in order to provide for your needs and the needs of a child. Medical insurance, which will include the adopted child, is required.
Older Children:
Q. We are interested in an older child. What age range of children does Bethany place?
A. Because Bethany’s ministry is to women with unplanned pregnancies, the majority of children we place are newborns. If you are interested in pursuing an adoption for an older child, we suggest that you consider Bethany’s International Adoption Program. You can also contact your local private or county adoption agency. Domestic older children, who are available for adoption, are typically in foster home within a private or county foster family agency. For referrals to one of these agencies, contact our office.
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