Frequently asked questions
Each adoption situation is unique, based on the needs of the expectant mother and the professionals she chooses to work with, if any.
Any fees owed to the professionals selected by the expectant mother are due only after a connection is made with an adoptive family. These fees are paid directly to the professional and managed independently of our platform. Please note that these fees are separate from any platform membership or service fees associated with your use of our site.
A fee breakdown is included in the situation write-up provided to members. As each situation and expectant mother have unique needs, these fees may cover costs such as medical care, living expenses, transportation, legal fees, and more. Members should review each situation write-up to understand the specific costs and needs associated with it.
The estimated costs listed for each adoption situation include potential expenses related to the expectant mother, as determined by the adoption professional based on her specific needs. These expenses vary widely and are managed solely by the professionals involved, without oversight by Adoption For My Child.
Common Expenses:
- Medical Care and Maternity Services: This may include prenatal visits, delivery, and other maternity-related services. Expectant mothers may have state insurance (Medicaid) or private insurance that can cover these costs, but adoptive parents should be prepared to cover any uncovered expenses.
- Living Expenses: Financial support for essential needs like housing, utilities, food, and maternity clothing may be requested, depending on state laws and the expectant mother’s circumstances. Post-partum living assistance may also be permitted in some states for a limited recovery period.
- Counseling Fees: Pre- and post-adoption counseling fees may be covered to support the expectant mother’s emotional well-being. Although optional, many adoption professionals encourage counseling to help with the adoption process and recovery.
- Legal Fees: Adoptive parents are typically responsible for covering the legal fees necessary to finalize the adoption.
- Transportation: In some states, adoptive families may cover transportation expenses to facilitate the expectant mother’s attendance at medical appointments and essential activities.
Please note that specific expenses and payment arrangements vary with each situation and are managed by the adoption professionals involved. Adoption For My Child does not handle or oversee these payments.
The answer depends on your specific adoption situation and any agreements made with the adoption professional representing you. If you signed any exclusivity agreements when you began working with an adoption professional, this may impact your options.
Here are some possible scenarios:
- Matching with a Private/Independent Situation:
If the expectant mother is not represented by an adoption professional, you may be able to work with your own attorney (or current agency) to finalize the adoption. Please note that some state laws may require you to work with a licensed agency in the expectant mother’s state if you are from another state. Consult your attorney to ensure compliance with local laws. - Matching with a Non-Private Situation:
If the expectant mother is already represented by an adoption professional, you may need to work with that professional to finalize the adoption. In most cases, this may require transferring from your current agency or consultant to the original adoption professional who listed the situation with Adoption For My Child. Be sure to confirm the specific requirements with your attorney or adoption professional. - Keeping Your Attorney:
You are entitled to retain your own attorney, regardless of the type of situation. However, if the expectant mother is already represented by an attorney, you should plan to cover her attorney reasonable fees in addition to your own. Retaining separate legal counsel can help protect your interests throughout the adoption process. - Agency Requirements in Certain States:
If you match with an independent situation in an “agency-only” state, you may be required to work with a licensed agency from the expectant mother’s state to finalize the adoption, even if you have an attorney or agency in your home state. Consult with a legal professional to navigate these requirements.
This information is provided for general guidance only and should not be considered legal advice. Please consult with a licensed attorney or adoption professional for specific guidance related to your adoption process and applicable state laws
Fees are determined solely by the professionals the expectant mother has chosen and are due only after a connection has been made with an adoptive family. These fees are paid directly to the adoption professional, who manages and allocates the funds independently of our platform. A detailed breakdown of these fees is provided in the situation write-up to inform members about the expected costs. Each situation is unique, and fees generally cover expenses such as medical care, living costs, transportation for prenatal appointments, and legal fees, as needed. Members should review each situation write-up to understand the specific needs and associated costs, as these will vary based on the expectant mother’s individual circumstances.
Adoption-related costs vary depending on the specific needs of the expectant mother and the adoption professionals involved in each situation. Once you are connected with an expectant mother, you should consult with your chosen attorney or agency to arrange for the management of medical records, expenses, and legal requirements. Costs will depend on the professionals you choose and the expectant mother’s needs. Every state has unique laws and limits regarding expectant mother expenses, so it’s essential to work with an attorney knowledgeable in your state’s adoption laws.
Through Adoption For My Child, your profile is visible to thousands of expectant mothers considering adoption. When an expectant mother is interested, you can submit your profile for situations where your family meets the specified criteria, giving you the opportunity to be considered without intermediaries. Once an expectant mother selects your family, legal processes can proceed as required by your state.
Please note: Adoption For My Child provides a platform for visibility but does not engage in legal representation or adoption facilitation. Consult a licensed attorney or agency for legal guidance.
No, Adoption For My Child does not facilitate adoptions. However, we empower adoptive families to take control of their adoption journey by allowing them to choose the situations for which they wish to be considered. Our platform provides families with tools to manage their profiles and increase their visibility to expectant parents who may be considering adoption.
Yes, it’s common for adoptive families to use a combination of resources to finance an adoption, as it’s rare for families to cover the full cost upfront. These resources may include the federal adoption tax credit, adoption grants, loans, employee adoption benefit programs, and personal fundraising efforts. While adoption costs can be significant, our platform provides members with access to a range of resources to explore funding options. These resources are designed to help you learn about available financing opportunities and make informed decisions about your adoption journey.
Yes, having a PDF family profile is one of the most important parts of the adoption process. A well-designed family profile allows you to visually share your family’s story, your thoughts on adoption, and your hopes for the future. For optimal accessibility, we recommend keeping your PDF family profile at 2MB or smaller so that it’s easy for expectant parents to view and print. If you don’t yet have a family profile, we offer optional profile and video design services to help you present your story in a thoughtful, engaging way. Please feel free to email us for more information on our design services at amy@adoptionformychild.com.
Note: Profile design services are for informational and creative support only and do not influence adoption outcomes.
Yes, Adoption For My Child clients can specify preferences for certain criteria in their adoption plan, such as gender, race, and location. It’s important to keep in mind that more specific criteria may lengthen the adoption process and wait time, as finding a match that meets all preferences can be more challenging. Flexibility in your criteria may help facilitate a smoother process, but you have the right to establish the preferences that align with your adoption goals.
In most cases, funds paid up to the point when an adoption falls through can be applied toward the next matching opportunity. Please note that expenses already incurred for expectant mother living costs are typically non-refundable.
The networking fee paid to Adoption For My Child may be refundable if a match does not occur within a specific timeframe or if services have not yet commenced. For a full description of our refund policy, please refer to our Full Refund Policy or consult your client agreement.
Once an expectant mother selects a family, we share the contact information for the adoption professional managing the process, enabling the hopeful adoptive parents to connect with them regarding the next steps. Each adoption entity has its own procedures, policies, and protocols. Typically, the initial steps include submitting application details, home study information, and payment, as determined by the adoption entity.
What to expect before you adopt
Understand Your Options: Explore various adoption pathways, including domestic, international, and foster care options, to determine which approach best aligns with your family’s dynamics and goals
Complete A Home Study Evaluation: A comprehensive home study is required, including background checks, personal interviews, and home visits, to ensure readiness for adoption.
Plan for Adoption Costs: Adoption-related costs can be significant. Be sure to account for agency fees, legal expenses, travel costs, and post-adoption support services in your budget.
Select an Adoption Professional: Choosing a knowledgeable adoption professional is essential. A trusted professional can help guide you through the complexities of the process and provide support along the way.
What to expect during your membership with helloSprout
helloSprout Membership Activation: Once your membership is activated, your profile becomes accessible to expectant mothers considering adoption options.
Customizing Your Profile and Promotion: You can create an online profile to highlight your family’s preferences. Through our Instant Profile Submission (IPS) system, you can actively promote your profile to increase visibility to potential matches.
Adoption Situation Briefings: Members receive general briefings on adoption scenarios that provide insight into the expectant mother’s preferences and needs, while respecting her privacy by excluding identifying information.
Notifications of Adoption Opportunities: Members are notified promptly when new adoption scenarios become available, allowing you to submit your profile for consideration by expectant mothers considering adoption.
Matching and Interview Updates: If a potential match is identified, selected families are contacted by the adoption professional for interviews. All applicants receive updates on the status of the process as it progresses.
Support Following a Match: Upon a successful match, we provide ongoing support resources and connections to help ensure a smooth transition with the adoption professionals involved.
What to expect after you've been matched
Legal Consent and Parental Rights: Legal consent from the birth parents is required for the adoption to proceed. The timing and process for terminating parental rights are governed by state laws and must be handled by qualified legal professionals.
Baby Placement: After legal consent is given and parental rights are terminated, the child may be placed with the adoptive family, marking a significant step in the adoption process.
Interstate Legalities and ICPC Compliance: For adoptions involving different states, compliance with the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC) is required before the adoptive family can return home with the child.
Post-Placement Supervision: State-mandated supervision is conducted to monitor the child’s well-being and may include home visits and status reports by licensed adoption professionals.
Finalization of Adoption: The legal finalization of the adoption includes court proceedings and completion of all necessary documentation to formalize the adoptive relationship.
Issuance of a New Birth Certificate: After the adoption is legally finalized, a new birth certificate is issued to recognize the adoptive parents as the legal guardians.
Optional Post-Adoption Support: Many families benefit from post-adoption support services, such as counseling and support groups, which can assist in adjusting to family life after adoption.
Each step of the adoption process is structured to prioritize the child’s best interests and the adoptive family’s readiness. By understanding and preparing for each phase, adoptive parents can navigate the path toward a successful adoption.