Nearly 70,000 children are adopted in the United States each year,
including 8,000 international children and 10,000 children with special
emotional or physical needs.
Though medical treatment for infertility is an excellent choice for many infertile couples, not everyone who seeks treatment will become pregnant and deliver a child - even with the help of today's advanced reproductive technologies. Some couples choose to forego infertility treatment in favor of adoption, while others may decide to adopt after treatments have been unsuccessful. While not a cure for infertility, adoption ends childlessness and can be a satisfying means of building a family.
Nearly 70,000 children are adopted in the United States each year,
including 8,000 international children and 10,000 children with special
emotional or physical needs.
When deciding to adopt, couples should allow themselves time to accept
their fertility-related loses before adopting.
The option of adoption should be investigated early in the infertility
evaluation, since the process can take several years and some agencies have
parental age requirements.
Adoptions may be arranged through an adoption agency or independently.
Independent adoptions usually involve an adoption attorney or other intermediary
such as a counselor, physician, or minister.
Adoption laws vary significantly from state to state. Adopting between
states is possible but more complex.
Although confidential (anonymous) adoptions were once standard, open
adoption, in which an exchange of information and contact occurs between the
birth and adoptive parents, is steadily gaining acceptance and support.
Keeping adoption a secret from an adopted child is generally not a good
idea.
Adoption costs vary widely. Public agency adoptions are often less
expensive than private agency or independent adoptions, although private
adoptions may take less time.
All adoption fees, along with an explanation of the costs involved,
should be obtained in writing prior to proceeding.
Many employers provide parental leave for their employees and adoption
should qualify for this benefit.
An Overview of the Adoption Process
1) Form an Adoption Plan
2) Home Study/Parent Preparation
A social worker will visit your home to meet you and your spouse and better
assess you as potential adoptive parents (physically, emotionally, and
financially). The social worker may also offer guidance in preparing your home
for a new child.
3) Identification of an Available Child
Informing family, neighbors, and others in your community that you want to
adopt may assist you in your search
4) Placement of Child/Filing Petition for Adoption
When the child is placed in your home, the agency/intermediary assists you
in legally filing for adoption with the court.
5) Post-Placement Follow-up
A social worker will visit your home again after the child has been living
there for a certain period of time.
6) Final Hearing
After the adoption petition has been filed, a court hearing is held to
review your case and grant the final adoption decree.
For Further Information:
Adoptive Families of America
33 Highway 100 N.
Minneapolis, MN 55422
(800)372-3300
free "starter" kit
American Academy of Adoption Attorneys
Box 33053
Washington, D.C. 20033-0053
free directory
National Council for Adoption
1930 17th Street, NW
Washington, D.C. 20009
(202)328-1200
North American Council on Adoptable Children
1821 University Ave., # 498 N.
St. Paul, MN 55104
(612)644-0336
special needs
RESOLVE, Inc.
1310 Broadway
Somerville, MA 02144
(617)623-0744
support group