It is a fact that every year, the number of children and youth waiting to be adopted continues to increase. In the span of a single year, the number of children placed into foster care alone spiked by almost 3%. Fortunately, studies today reveal that more people are seriously interested in adoption.
In fact, national estimates state that over ⅓ of adults have considered adopting. That said, while there are many children waiting for a home, it’s not that easy for would-be adoptive parents.
The national adoption system remains relatively murky and complex. As a result of this, fewer adoptions occur every year. Experts even believe that for every child there are about 36 couples waiting to adopt. Often, this leaves families simply waiting and frustrated.
Fortunately, if you’re about to embark on your own adoption journey, there are important people who can drastically improve the experience. While the professionals you work with can vary depending on the organization you work with, the region you’re adopting from, and your personal approach, here are three notable specialists to remember:
Adoption Consultants
It’s perfectly normal for those looking to adopt to feel unsure about where to start. As a rule of thumb, though, a good place to start is with a professional adoption consultant.
Although you will have to pay them a fee for their services, their experience and connections can make a huge difference. Namely, since they’ll likely be a part of adoption networks, they can help connect you with credible organizations.
This can protect you from scams and even help streamline the adoption process. Additionally, some adoption consultants can even connect you with adoption home studies.
Unlike what the media perpetuates, an adoption home study is a crucial process of gathering information about who you are while also educating you in preparation for your matched child. Though many agencies can help you complete home studies, an adoption consultant can recommend one best suited for your unique needs.
Social Workers
Since a child’s well-being is top-of-mind in any adoption, social workers are assigned to study and guide every prospective adoptive family. Contrary to what popular culture shows, these professionals are often far from antagonistic.
Conversely, they’re here to ensure the happiness of your family and your new addition. Depending on the avenue of adoption you’ve pursued, you may work with a number of social workers.
Some of the most common ones, though, include case management assistants and adoption specialists. Among the leading social work careers, case management assistants are responsible for gathering and preparing relevant content.
This includes paperwork on your finances, medical history, and possible legal issues. This data will then play a critical role in a case manager’s recommendations for matching.
Meanwhile, an adoption specialist is another type of social worker focused on facilitating the adoption process to create the most optimal psychological and social outcomes. It should be noted, though, that social workers are not simply provided by the government or private adoption agency.
More often than not, their fees are tucked into the overall adoption costs. Depending on the state and the adoption agency, this cost is anywhere from $15,000 to higher than $45,000.
Adoption Attorney
Last but not the least, there are adoption attorneys. Although not an absolute necessity in every adoption, their legal expertise can offer you and your family some protection.
Remember, adoption is still a legal proceeding. As such, even a small mistake or misunderstanding can negatively affect the timeliness or outcome of your adoption.
Aside from this, there are also other more nuanced benefits to having an adoption attorney. These include having a champion to predict potential concerns and minimize issues during the adoption process.
After all, one study found that about 12 adoptions fall through every day, however those included children adopted from foster care, as well as through private, relative, and international adoptions.
Admittedly, an adoption attorney can be quite pricey but this expense can be seen as a positive investment. Having a licensed adoption attorney by your side can cut down the adoption process time and help you meet important deadlines.
Depending on your state, an adoption attorney may also need to be a member of the American Academy of Adoption Attorneys.
While adoption is a private and intimate experience, the process itself requires many individuals. While you may initially feel overwhelmed dealing with strangers, know that everyone is here for your adoptive child’s benefit.
When you take the time to find agencies, professionals, and adoption approaches that you are most comfortable with, you are paving a pleasant path for your new child to enter your life.
To find a qualified and experienced adoption attorney, go to AdoptionArt.org.
About the Guest Author
Rhianne Jesse is a freelance writer.
