What Types of Adoption are Recognized in Pennsylvania?
Adoption can be an exciting time in a couple’s life, but one that is often filled with doubt. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania recognizes that each family situation is different, with a “one size fits all” approach rarely being successful. Due to this, the state offers various types of adoptions, which parents should become aware of before making one of the most important decisions of their lives. In this blog, our adoption attorneys discuss the types of adoptions available in the Keystone State so that you can decide which one is right for you.
Private or Independent Adoptions
When birth parents voluntarily relinquish their parental rights, they may be in direct contact with the adoptive parents. This is known as a private or independent adoption, and it is one of the most common types of adoption in Pennsylvania. A private adoption can be expensive, with the prospective adoptive parents often paying for the birth mother’s prenatal care, delivery, and post-delivery medical expenses.
Agency Adoptions
When an agency is used to match potential adoptive parents with a birth mother, this is known as an agency adoption. Pennsylvania has over 200 public and private adoption agencies that help children find permanent homes. Potential adoptive parents will have to undergo a home study and background check.
Home studies involve the adoptive parents being interviewed by a social worker as well as undergoing a home inspection to ensure that the home is safe. A background check will investigate each parent’s history to determine if they have a criminal record, as well as verify their employment. In addition to these costs, application fees, home study fees, and counseling fees will also be applicable.
Relative Adoptions
Relative adoption involves adopting a child who has been a part of your family for an extended period. The Commonwealth recognizes a variety of relative adoptions, including stepparents adopting stepchildren, adults adopting their spouses’ children (i.e., second-parent adoption), grandparents adopting their grandchildren, and aunts and uncles adopting nieces, nephews, or other relatives.
International Adoptions
While most adoptions are domestic adoptions (involving children living in the United States), some include adopting children from other countries. This is known as an international adoption. The process of adopting a foreign child can be complicated, as it requires adherence to federal laws, Pennsylvania laws, and the laws of the child’s country of origin. Once your child’s U.S. citizenship is granted and the State accepts the Certificate of Adoption of a Foreign-Born Child, your child will be issued a Pennsylvania birth certificate.
Foster-to-Adopt
Pennsylvania has over 15,000 children living in foster care. In some cases, foster parents may choose to adopt their foster children if the birth parents’ rights have been legally terminated. The foster-to-adopt process requires that children be with their foster families for at least six months before the adoption process can begin. Additionally, a foster parent who chooses to adopt must still complete a home study prior to the adoption being finalized.
Special Needs Adoptions
Some adoptive families want to bring a child with special needs into their family unit. This may be due to a spiritual or personal calling, or if a person has a disability of their own. Prospective parents typically work with the Statewide Adoption and Permanency Network (SWAN) to find foster children with special needs.
Open Adoptions
In some situations, the birth parents and adoptive parents may keep the lines of communication open following the adoption being finalized. The birth parents may choose to get regular updates or pictures regarding their child and even arrange visits with the child. As of this date, most domestic adoptions are transitioning to being open.
Closed Adoptions
When the birth parents and adoptive parents do not know each other’s names and have no way of contacting each other, this is known as a closed adoption. Closed adoptions are decided by the birth parents and adoptive parents, evaluating what is in the child’s best interest.
Speak with an Experienced Adoption Lawyer Today
If you or a family member is considering adopting, you should be aware that the process is tedious and, at times, overwhelming. In some situations, issues may arise that could prolong the process, making it difficult to see the result. At Purdy Law, we understand that adopting is more than a spur-of-the-moment decision; it has likely involved countless hours of thoughtful reflection.
If you are interested in discussing your adoption prospects, our legal team would like to speak with you. To schedule a consultation, contact us online or call (717) 674-2885 today.