I. ADOPTIVE PARENTS

A. Request program information

B. Submit Orientation Registration, Reason(s) for Services and class fee

C. Complete required reading

1. Dear Birthmother by Kathleen Silber & Phyllis Speedlin

2. Open Adoption: A Caring Option by Jeanne Warren Lindsay

3. The Open Adoption Experience

4. Children of Open Adoption by Silber and Dorner

D. Attend an Orientation /Educational Meeting (a one day class conducted in at 6-8 week intervals, limited to seven couples per class.)

1. Program philosophy, history and fees discussed

2. The myths of adoption exposed:

a. Birthparents do not care about the children they relinquish, or they could not give them away

b. Secrecy in every phase of adoption is necessary to protect all parties

c. Both the birthmother and the birthfather will forget about their child

d. If the adoptee really loved his/her adoptive parents and family, he/she would not have to search for birthparents

E. Adoptive parents submit a personal information form

F. Family Summary Packet mailed by worker to each applicant

G. Pre-placement study completed

H. A non-identifying file/album is prepared by each adoptive family for presentation to birthparents

1. Each file/album shall contain:

a. Letters to birthparents

b. Collection of family photos in personalized scrapbook, poetry, audio or VCR tape, or art piece may be included (this is a gift to the birthparents of your child)

c. Autobiographies: each adoptive parent prepares his/her own to include personal characteristics, personality, interests, lifestyle, religious beliefs, goals, feelings about sharing the adoption, birthparents and background facts with their child

I. Prior to placement, a plan for on going communication shall be negotiated between the parties

II. BIRTHPARENTS

A. Birthparents will receive alternatives counseling. Should adoptive placement be chosen, the following areas shall be addressed in counseling:

1. They may select the family they want to have parent their child

2. Open adoption is NOT co-parenting

3. All legal rights to their child will be relinquished

4. Grieving afterwards is a normal and healthy process

5. Counseling regarding adoption issues is available and encouraged for all birthparents and is available to each through his/her child's 18th birthday

6. The agency will act as an intermediary until:

a. the child is 18 years of age

OR

b. members of the triad choose to exchange identifying information

B. Birthparents’ involvement in the placement process:

1. The social worker will select albums of prospective adoptive parents, based on a profile provided by the birthparents

2. Birthparents select an adoptive family

3. Birthparents’ social/medical histories and a photo will be shared with the prospective adoptive family they have chosen

4. A meeting occurs at the CACS office. Should all parties choose to continue, a personal adoption plan that meets the needs and desires of each member is developed. This process often involves compromises by all parties. The agency will assist each person individually in obtaining a mutually agreeable plan.

5. Prior to placement, a plan for on going communication shall be arranged

III. LEGAL

A. Adoptive parents may select their own attorney. The agency recommends each adoptive family use an attorney familiar with the placement process, as this minimizes legal fees and expedites the adoption.

B. Legal fees are the responsibility of the adoptive parents and should be reviewed with the attorney on a case-by-case basis

C. Birthparents may select their own attorney or use one recommended by the agency. The agency will be responsible for his/her fee. If an attorney not recommended by the agency is selected, the agency will pay a maximum of $200.00 for legal counsel.

IV. MEDICAL

A. Medical providers will be paid by the agency with funds obtained from the adoptive parents at the time of placement

B. The child may be examined prior to placement by a pediatrician of the adoptive parents choice. Adoptive parents will be responsible for this fee if this is in addition to the newborn exam.

C. If a child’s physical condition must be evaluated for a period of time outside the hospital and prior to the adoption, he/she will be cared for in a licensed foster home, or placed with the adoptive family under a legal risk placement agreement.

V. POST-PLACEMENT

A. The agency conducts periodic visits with the adoptive family and child 
until the adoption is finalized

B. Agency involvement after finalization is available regarding the ongoing communication agreement. It can occur at the request of the birth or adoptive parents. NOTE: adoptive parents are the legal guardians, therefore their wishes must be respected and the agency is obligated to do so. CACS’ goal is to assist all parties in arriving at a mutually agreed upon plan. The agency’s services are available to all parties in hopes of achieving this end for each adoption.

C. Individual counseling and support groups are available to birthparents
and participation is encouraged.

Copyright © 2000 Choices Adoption & Counseling Services, Inc.