Adoption Types Recognized in Pennsylvania

The Commonwealth recognizes that no family unit is quite the same. The relationships within your own family and the dynamics within your immediate family may play a significant role in determining what type of adoption is right for you. If you and your partner are considering adoption, our adoption attorneys are eager and willing to discuss your legal options.

Agency Adoption

When a licensed agency matches children with prospective adoptive parents, it is known as an agency adoption. During the agency adoption process, prospective parents must undergo screening, a home study, and a background check to determine their suitability to adopt. A background check will be used to verify prospective parents’ employment and salary, as well as to determine whether they have a criminal record.

Private or Independent Adoption

When a birth mother voluntarily relinquishes their parental rights, the prospective parents may choose to directly work with the birth mother in what is known as a private or independent adoption. Independent adoptions are common when an infant is being adopted. However, you should be aware of the cost, as the prospective parents often cover the birth mother’s medical expenses.

International Adoptions

In some situations, a family may decide to adopt a child who lives in another country. This is known as international adoption, and it requires prospective parents to adhere to federal and state laws, as well as the laws of the adoptive child’s country. Any deviation from these laws could delay or void the adoption. Furthermore, Pennsylvania law requires a list of documents to be filed with the adoption petition for the adoption to be finalized.

Foster-to-Adopt

It is not uncommon for foster parents to give their foster children a permanent home. Known as foster-to-adopt, this allows foster parents to adopt the children they are already caring for in foster care. However, the birth parents must first relinquish their rights for the adoption to be possible. Although you may think that, as a foster parent, the process will be streamlined, this is not usually the case. In most foster-to-adopt situations, the foster parent must undergo a home study and have been fostering the child for at least 6 months before initiating the process.

Relative Adoptions

In some cases, it may make sense to adopt a stepchild, your spouse’s children (known as a second-parent adoption), your grandchildren, or a sibling. The Commonwealth permits a variety of relative adoptions, although the biological parents must first terminate their rights.

Special Needs Adoptions

Individuals may have a personal or spiritual calling to adopt a child who has a mental or physical limitation. If you are looking to give a home to a disabled child, then you may consider a special needs adoption. Parents who are interested in adopting a special needs child often work with the Statewide Adoption and Permanency Network (SWAN).

Open Adoptions

If the birth parents and adoptive parents decide that they would like to keep the lines of communication open once the adoption is finalized, this is known as an open adoption. Open adoption is not right for everyone, and in some situations, it may be too painful for the biological parent to remain a part of the child’s life.

In an open adoption, the birth parents will receive regular updates from the adoptive family, including photos. In some cases, the birth parent may have scheduled visits with the child. The frequency of these updates and the level of contact will vary based on the arrangement.

Closed Adoptions

If the birth parent and adoptive parents decide that the adoption should be closed, then neither party will communicate with the other. While many domestic adoptions are moving toward open adoptions, closed adoptions are still utilized. Deciding to have a closed adoption is not always a negative but may be beneficial in providing the child with a fresh start.

Advocating for Your Family’s Needs

The adoption process can be exhausting, but it is worth it once you can welcome a new person into your family. At Purdy Law, our Harrisburg adoption lawyers know that deciding to adopt comes with its own set of emotions and legal challenges. Given the potential complications, our legal team is prepared to stand by your side through it all. Contact us online or call (717) 674-2885.