Adoption Process

Adoption is a serious step for anyone to take; the question of suitability is probably the first issue to be dealt with. The task becomes all the more difficult when you consider in the United States, there are federal and state adoption laws; this is an area not to be underestimated, because without the compliance of both, it will not proceed. Under the circumstances it is understandable that many people give up before they start; however, knowing what is required by the authorities can make a big difference.

Before any other considerations are taken into account, this is a legal matter where the adult(s) become the child's legal parent(s); the child in many circumstances is an orphan. It is important to understand this is more than just a person or couple looking after a child because they will take complete moral and legal responsibility for them; this also means the adoptive child is granted the legal rights of a natural family member. In effect, the adopted child becomes a new member of the family as if he or she had been born to the new parents and includes the right of inheritance should they die.

The adoption process must be fair to all concerned, in particular the child, so before it is finalized, the real parents must be made known to the court; this process helps to makes it withstand any later claims. Of course it is not always possible to determine the parentage of the child fully; one frequent scenario consists of a child who is a ward of court, an orphan, or where the rights of their biological parents have been terminated by the courts. This can also happen where the mother is a single person still in her teens; when the adoption takes place the biological mothers rights are terminated at the same time.

The home study is a document that is required by Federal law in America and must be carried out by anyone planning to adopt in America; all applications, irrespective of where they are made in the USA, must carry this out. The home study is a document used to look into the background of the people adopting and their home environment, to ensure the child is being placed in a safe place. In a home study, a children's social worker will conduct a criminal background check; a review of personal information and medical records will be checked along with a safety assessment of the child's new home.

The child can only be assigned to prospective parents once this is completed and if they are approved then a further wait will be necessary for the placement to be granted. Before the process is complete the family judge must carefully consider all the information regarding the child, their real parents and the adoptive parents. Adoption laws are always being revised, whether those of the state you reside in or federal; you would be wise to update yourself on any changes in the law before you begin the process to avoid disappointment at a later stage.