ADOPTIONS
ADOPTION OVERVIEW
Adoption has historically served parents seeking infant placement.
Currently, any person is considered adoptable, whether he or she is an infant, older
child, adult, child with special needs, or part of a sibling group. Parent(s) may be
married or single.
ADOPTION PROCESS
.The decision to adopt is an important,
permanent decision. There are laws or local rules that must be complied with for the
completion of an adoption. The different laws protect the child, the birth parents, and
the adoptive parents. The process is a lifelong journey that will impact each of the
parties individually.
INTERSTATE
COMPACT
Prior to placement of a child across state lines, a formal agreement
(Interstate Compact on Placement of Children "ICPC") must be completed through
the Interstate Compact Program Managers in each state.
LEGAL PROTECTIONS
There are special legal protections for a birth parent who is under age
18, in the military, a Native American, or Alaskan Native. A Guardian ad litem and/or
counseling for a birth parent who is a minor may be provided. If the birth parents or
child are Native American or Alaskan Native, contact with the Tribe must be made. It is
unlawful to buy or sell a child.
The information contained in these pages
is not intended to be legal advice, and does not create an
attorney-client relationship. You should always consult with an attorney before taking any
action.
