Types of Adoption
These are our Azerbijan babies - five children adopted from Azerbijan by different families in NC. When possible, we will introduce our clients to other local families who are pursuing a similar type of adoption - often creating long-lasting friendships!
Domestic Adoption
Domestic adoption refers to the placement of a child living in the United States. It can involve:
- The placement of a child through a public agency (Department of Social
Services) which primarily deals with foster children and "special needs"
children.
- The placement of a child through a licensed private adoption agency. Typically, private domestic agencies
place newborn babies, although they can place older children as well.
- The independent placement of a child by the child's birth parents directly
with the prospective adoptive parents often assisted by an attorney. This
placement requires the prospective parents to first locate a child available
for adoption.
Why domestic adoption?
Many people select domestic adoption because it is possible to adopt a
newborn baby domestically. Also, you may have information about the prenatal care of the child,
health of the birthmother, the medical history of the birthparents and an opportunity to meet
your child's birthparents.
International Adoption
International Adoption involves adopting a child from outside the United States. In a majority of
international adoptions, children are adopted from orphanages, although sometimes they come from
a foster care situation.
After you have selected your home study agency and child placing agency, the process of international
adoption involves three things:
- Begin the home study process.
- Apply for approval from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (formerly INS) to
bring the child home.
- Prepare your dossier. The dossier is the packet of documents that is sent to the other
country to support your request to adopt. You will work closely with your child-placing
agency to prepare your dossier.
There can be a lot of paperwork involved, but it is manageable and your agency will help you every step of the way.
Why International Adoption?
 People choose
international adoption for a variety of reasons. They may feel an affinity for a certain country
or culture. Some people take the humanitarian approach of wanting to give a home to a child from
an orphanage in an impoverished area of the world. Others are more comfortable with no connection
to the child's birthparents.
Factors to consider when deciding what type of adoption is best for you:
- Time factor, how long you will have to wait
- Health of the child
- Age of the child
- Ethnicity/race of the child
- Knowledge of parental health
- Meeting the birth parents
- Comfort with international travel
- Cost
- Comfort with risk- both emotional and financial
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