|
|
|
|
 |
 |
FAQ Infant Adoption
How can we apply to adopt a domestic infant through Bethany?
You may locate a Bethany office near you or fill out our contact us form online to request information. If you live in one of the many states where Bethany has an office, you will be invited to attend an information meeting or initial consultation. If you live in a state without a Bethany office, the nearest Bethany office may still be able to help you; or, our staff will direct you to other resources.
How will Bethany assist us in adopting a child?
 You will participate in an interview process known as the adoptive family assessment. The adoptive family assessment involves both joint and individual interivews and a home visit. Certain paperwork and the assessment are required by state law and are helpful in preparing your family profile. Your family profile includes photos and information about you.
How will Bethany prepare us for adoptive parenthood?
Bethany offers pre-placement counseling to prepare families for parenthood. Many Bethany offices offer educational meetings where potential adoptive parents can meet with other prospective adoptive parents and birthparents who have made adoption plans.
Usually, birthparents select the adoptive family for their child. We cannot guarantee placement of a child. However, many of the families who apply through Bethany adopt not only one, but often two or more children.
How will birthparents know that we want to adopt?
Many birthparents select adoptive families by viewing adoptive family profiles. Your local Bethany office will share your profile with birthparents, or, you can choose to put your profile on Bethany's website for birthparents to view. Some birthparents and adoptive parents find each other through personal contact. Personal contact can occur by word of mouth or through networking.
Networking is a process by which families waiting to adopt use a variety of techniques to make birthparents aware of their desire to adopt a child. Many families have successfully identified birthparents through networking. Bethany's staff will offer you networking ideas, including placing your family profile on the internet through our website.
Bethany works cooperatively with many crisis pregnancy centers so that birthparents are informed that there are adoptive families available.
Will we have ongoing contact with the birthparents?
The degree of openness in the adoption is determined in advance and is part of an adoption agreement between the birthparents and adoptive parents.
When does placement occur?
After the child is born, he or she may be placed in your home directly from the hospital (direct placement) or following temporary infant foster care. Foster care is provided for the infant while the birthparents make their final decision.
Will Bethany help our family adjust to the changes in our lives as a result of the adoption?
Yes, Bethany is strongly committed to providing post-adoption services to new families. For several months after placement, a Bethany social worker will schedule contacts with your family. We will provide post-placement counseling for family members or make referrals for counseling, if needed.
When will the adoption be finalized?
Finalization of the adoption occurs after a specified period of time that varies from state to state. Your local Bethany office can provide you with that information.
When are adoption fees due?
Check with your local adoption worker at your local Bethany office for details about the amount and timing of adoption fees. You will also want to check with your worker about the Federal Adoption Tax Credit and how it may reduce the overall cost of your adoption. Please visit our financing adoption section of the website for more information.
|
|
|