FAQ for adoptive families - Methodist Home for Children

FAQ for adoptive parents

What types of children do you place for adoption?

We focus on placing healthy infants of all races, as well as children with special needs. Special needs includes medical challenges, babies born exposed to drugs or alcohol, and children with a family history of mental illness or other hereditary traits.

Will I need an attorney?

Yes. An attorney is always required to finalize an adoption. Depending on the type of adoption you pursue would determine the extent to which you would need an attorney. For an agency adoption an attorney is only required to finalize the adoption. For a parental placement adoption an attorney is required to terminate birth parent’s rights and to finalize the adoption.

What kind of support will be available for my family and for the child?

We offer post-adoption services to adoptive parents, adoptees, and birth parents. Our goal is to be a lifetime resource for you.

How much contact will there be with the birth parents?

When the birth parents select the adoptive parents, the amount of contact is up to the families involved and the type of adoption agreed upon. Many times the birth parents will ask to meet the adoptive parents. This meeting is facilitated by the agency. The identities of both the adoptive family and the birth parents can be kept confidential or you can have a more open relationship. The level of contact is ultimately determined by what you are comfortable with and what you and the birth family agree to. This can include pictures, letters, and ongoing face to face contact either facilitated by the agency or directly with the birth family.

What if the birth mother doesn’t know who the birth father is?

If the birth mother does not know who the father is, she will sign an affidavit stating that. This affidavit is a legal document and must be signed in front of a notary public. The agency will work with the adoptive family’s attorney to advertise for the unknown father as well as secure termination of parental rights on the father.

How long do birth parents have to change their minds?

In an agency placement the birth mother relinquishes her rights as a parent to the adoptive agency after the birth. A notary must witness the signature and document. The relinquishment agreement can be revoked by the birth parent within seven business days. After the revocation period has expired and an adoptive placement has occurred, the relinquishment is irrevocable except upon proof of fraud or duress. This would look slightly different in a parental placement adoption or an independent adoption.

How much does it cost to adopt an infant?

Fees vary depending on the type of adoption you choose. Please contact our agency to discuss you unique situation

How long does the adoption process take?

The wait time for placement of an infant will vary depending on the type of adoption you choose and the circumstances you are open to considering. The average wait for a match is 18 months to two years. After an infant is placed in your home, there is a minimum six-month wait before the finalization process can begin. A minimum of three supervisory visits are required during the six-month period, with no less than 90 days between the first and last visits. Once the supervisory requirements are met, the finalization process can begin with consent from the agency (if it was an agency placement). The finalization process takes several months to complete and an attorney will be needed to assist in the process.