Adoption
can present many hurdles, but it doesn’t have to! AmericanKidz
offers a full complement of legal, educational and counseling
services to help you navigate the process.
The first step will be an office consultation with one of our
staff during which we will begin to get to know one another. You
will have the chance to explain your current family dynamic and
how you see it changing.
Once
retained, we will go to work for you. We will provide you with
the tools you need to craft your adoption plan. Whether you wish
to adopt an infant through a private adoption or adopt an older
child through the foster care system we will be there to help
you every step of the way.
The
first step is to obtain a favorable home study. If you reside
within the same geographic area of either of our offices a member
of our professional staff will complete your required home study.
If you live outside of this area we will assist you in retaining
a licensed social worker or agency to perform your home study
for you. During your home study, a social worker will visit your
home and meet all members of your household. Our goal is to assist
you in finding a child who will complement your family and adjust
to your lifestyle. You will be required to submit to a criminal
and abuse registry background check. You will be asked to provide
personal and professional references and visit your doctor for
a check up. (The whole process, although very thorough, sounds
much worse than it actually is). The educational component of
your home study provides you with a broad overview of the children
who are available for adoption and helps you understand their
medical, psychological, developmental, and educational needs.
At the conclusion of this process, you will come away with a detailed,
narrative that advocates for your family and opens the door of
your home to the right child who best compliments your own personal
parenting style.
Once
a match is made, our social workers will take a personal interest
in your birth mother. We will assist her in making doctor appointments,
and in most instances attend these apointments with her. We request
copies of all medical records and provide these records to you.
We will help her to sort through her feelings. We help her set
new goals and provide assistance with educational and vocational
training. We conduct random drug testing to assure that she is
taking proper care of herself and the unborn child. We help her
find affordable housing and provide referals for community resources.
We are there for her and for you for as long as needed. We also
coordinate and attend meetings and telephone calls between you
and your birth mother when appropriate and work with both you
and your birth mother to craft a hospital plan that takes into
consideration the feelings and emotional needs of all involved.
Our
staff attorney provides all adoption-related legal services, at
no additional charge including personal representation at all
court appearances.
After
placement, we will make visits to your home to evaluate how well
you and your new child are adjusting to eachother. We will provide
all required documentation of the adjustment process for the child’s
state of origin. Furthermore, we will facilitate and coordinate
necessary community resources to provide you with any needed support
during the adjustment period.
AmericanKidz
will walk with you through the entire adoption process, and advocate
for you at every turn.
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