Adoption is very is excited. It is an important lifelong commitment to a child.
In the United States, there are 140,000 children adopted annually. This enables children to have the security of a loving and stable home. Whether it is a step-parent adopting a spouse’s child or adopting a new child there are a few things that every parent should know.
“Adoption is a lifelong commitment to another person,” Says Laura Lamminen, Ph.D., lead psychologist at the Rees-Jones Center for Foster Care Excellence at Children’s Health In Dallas.
Clearly, It is important to note that the nuclear family has changed. Definitely, it is no longer a married mother and father raising their children. Today the nuclear family is often a blended family or a single-parent household. Moreover, it is no longer limited to married heterosexual couples. Many adoptions result from kinship placements. In addition, there are same-sex couples growing their family. Grandparents, aunts, or uncles take on the responsibility of a family member’s child.
Furthermore, the type of adoption can vary greatly. Historically, most adoptions were closed. At this time, parents are allowing birth parents to continue a relationship with the child through open adoptions. Step-parents are formalizing their role as a parent in blended families. More older children are finding families.
Types of adoptions include international, open, closed, or step-parent. Costs can vary. Prepared for any fees. Costs can vary from a few hundred dollars to thousands of dollars.
All adoptions are likely to require a home study to assure the preparedness of the family and home to receive the child. If it is a relative or step-parent adoption an ad litem attorney may be appointed. Unquestionably, the best interest of the child is key. Obviously, termination the biological parental rights are at stake.
Absolutely, the more you know the better prepared you will be to navigate the steps needed to get to the child’s Gotcha Day.
