One of the first decisions you will
make involves the type of adoption you are interested in pursuing. This first
step can be the most confusing because there are a great many options available
and each has its advantages and disadvantages. This chapter has been written to
identify and explain the types of adoption available and to give you the
information you need to pick an initial path to follow.
Adoption is governed by state law
and those laws vary considerably from state to state. It is important to know
the laws in your state so that you know the options available to you. Go to
http://laws.adoption.com/ to read your
state’s law and regulation. Also be aware that if you adopt in one state and
live in another, you will probably have to follow the adoption laws of both
states.
State laws cover issues such as the
types of fees that can be charged for an adoption, who can consent to an
adoption, who is eligible to adopt and confidentiality of records issues. These
laws are protective rather than restrictive; they should not pose a stumbling
block to your efforts.
If you are thinking about a
domestic adoption, your first choice is whether to use an agency or use a
private means such as a private attorney or other independent facilitator.
There are two types of agencies to
choose from, public and private.
Public Agencies
Public agencies are also known as county or other regional
social service agencies, welfare agencies or other municipal or state-funded
organizations. These agencies usually place children who have come to their
attention due to neglect or abuse. Therefore, the
