The Road To Adoption

The steps to becoming an Adoptive Family may be complex and seem burdensome at times, but the ending result of the placement of a child will lead to a lifetime of happiness. We at no greater gift adoptions. wish to make this road as smooth as possible. Listed below are the summaries of the steps in which it takes in becoming an adoptive family, as well as a link to the Adoptive Family packet that contains all the information you need.

Adoptive Family Packet (PDF Document)

STARTING POINT

Read over and review all the documents in the packet. Fill out, sign, and return the following items (it is recommended that you make copies of each , for your records)

1. Application, Information Sheet, and Financial Information*
2. Service Agreement*
3. Criminal Background Check and Child Abuse Screening Form*
4. Clear copies of both front and back of your drivers licenses
5. Autobiography Questions*
6. Release for Exchange of Information*
7. Authorization to Release Confidential Information*
8. Fee Agreement*
9. Birth Fathers Rights*
10. ICPC Form *
11. Please include your $1000.00 application fee at this time

This may seem an overwhelming amount of paperwork, and it is, however, we are here to assist you anyway we can. Please do not hesitate to call if we can answer your questions or address your concerns. Shortly after we receive these documents you will be contacted to set up an intake interview appointment. During this interview we want to get to know you and your family, talk to you about adoption, the level of openness you feel comfortable with, and your adoption budget.

The next step along the adoption road is your home study. The anxiety surrounding a home study is stressful for many people as they face the unknown. Rest assured this is an opportunity for a social worker to come into your home and discuss your thoughts and concerns about adoption. It is our chance to see you in your own surroundings and to discover the dynamics of your family. We feel this is best accomplished after we know a little about you, so we ask that you answer and submit a copy of the autobiography questions included in your packet. Once this is received you can schedule your home study. We have incredible social workers we would love to refer you to. If you want to use your own social worker, we require a copy of their license along with your home study. We will also accept an existing home study if conducted within the last two years. We must receive an original copy from the social worker or agency that performed the home study, along with a copy of that social workers license. If you have experienced any changes within your family dynamics and require an update since your last home study, please let us know.

Along with your home study, we also require the following documents at this time:

1. Employment verification with salary included*
2. Health Insurance Verification – can be a copy of your insurance card
3. Birth Certificates
4. Marriage Certificates
5. Divorce Decree (if applicable)
6. Medical Release – filled out and signed by your doctor*
7. Six Reference Letters (3 non-relative and 3 relative)*

You will be notified once your home study has been approved.

At this time we require six Birth Parent Profiles. Your birth parent profile should include a one to three page letter about your family and a few pages of color copied photographs. Remember not to release any identifying information such as, city, name of employer, last name, etc. Try to include pictures of extended family, holiday traditions, vacations, a picture of your home and yard, and any pets. Please include five copies of your profile to be presented to birth parents.

Once all documents are received, your case becomes “active” and we will present you with the background information of birth parents and babies who are ready to be matched with adoptive families. After receiving this information, it will be up to you if you would like your profile to be presented to the birth parents. We will keep in contact with you, updating you on any news or information. Always feel free to contact us with your questions and concerns. This is a challenging time and we are happy to just talk to you if you need us.

FINAL STRETCH

Before you know it, together we will have found your baby and will be ready to discuss the details of your placement. Each placement will differ with the various methods available to pick up your baby and we will make a plan accordingly.

PLACEMENT

At the time of placement your agency fee will be due, in the form of a cashier’s check, along with any other amount left owing. (refer to “Fee Agreement”) This amount will have been discussed and agreed upon prior to placement. We require all adoptive families to fill out some additional paper work at this time, but rest assured our main focus is to get you and your baby home and settled.

GOING HOME

After a child is placed with an adoptive family, the state of Utah requires a six month period before the child can be legally adopted. Have your attorney file a “Petition of Adoption” with the courts within 48 hours of placement. This assures that Utah becomes the state of jurisdiction in your adoption. We have an agency attorney who would love to help you with your finalization or you can retain your own attorney. If this is the case, please make us aware so we can assist him/her in whatever they require.

This is a wonderful time for your family. You can expect a phone call within two weeks of placement. There will also be three post-placement visits required during your six-month waiting period. Here a social worker can further assist you with the transition and make sure everyone is adjusting well. These visits should occur during the second, fourth, and fifth month, with one visit being over the phone. We encourage you to use the same social worker who performed your home study if this is possible. Sometime within the first, third, and sixth month we need to hear from you. Please send us a note and share how things are going with your child. Also, please include two or three pictures with your note; these will remain in the agency file. This is only required until finalization.

We ask that you see a physician within two weeks of placement and follow his recommendations for well child checks thereafter. You will receive medical forms in your placement packet that should be filled out by your physician at each doctor visit. Please return the form to no greater gift adoptions.

We require three post placement visits, at least three medical forms, and three letters from you to no greater gift adoptions in your file before we can release the documents required for finalization.

After your adoption is final, please send us an original Final Decree of Adoption to complete your file.

We appreciate the opportunity to assist you in your adoption needs.

All our best,
Sherie and Amy

*Included in your Adoptive Family Packet