American Adoptions -- America's Adoption Agency
Adoptive Family Articles
The following is a general overview of how to start the adoption process with American Adoptions. If you have any questions about the information listed below, please contact our staff at 1-800-ADOPTION.
Step 1 - Initial Information
After an adoptive family has studied and researched information about American Adoptions' programs, policies and services, the adoptive family should begin the application process to join the agency. During the application process, the adoptive family will submit to the agency the application form and fee.
Our Domestic Adoption Programs
Domestic Adoption Situations
View current adoption situations at American Adoptions, including babies in immediate need of an adoptive family.
Domestic vs. International Adoption
When a couple begins to explore the idea of adopting a child, it is easy to quickly become overwhelmed with information, questions and decisions - who knew there was so much to consider when adopting a child?
One of the first dilemmas couples face is whether to adopt a child from the U.S., or from abroad. International adoption has been in the media's spotlight in recent months as notable Hollywood stars, such as Angelia Jolie and Madonna, choose to adopt children internationally. However, this does not mean that domestic adoption has gone to the wayside; in fact domestic adoption continues to grow each year as more couples decide to adopt a child in the U.S., rather than venturing overseas.
When it comes to choosing between domestic or international adoption, there are many factors a couple must consider. cost, wait time, children available, medical and social history and legal concerns.
Adoption Home Study
A home study is required for every adoption, whether it is an international or a domestic adoption. This study is a basic overview of your life - including criminal background checks, your finances and even your personal relationships. It is used by the courts to assess if a stable environment exists for a family to receive an adoptive placement.
Why Should You Choose American Adoptions?
American Adoptions is involved in over 300 domestic adoptions each year, with approximately 75 percent of our families adopting within our estimated wait times. With some of the lowest average waiting times in adoption it is no wonder why hundreds of families turn to American Adoptions each year to help realize their adoption dream.
We have two unique domestic adoption programs tailored to meet your needs. Each adoption program offers something special to adoptive families and provides you with choices other domestic adoption agencies cannot offer, including limited financial risk adoptions and a gender-specific option.
How Long Is The Wait?
American Adoptions is involved in over 300 domestic adoptions each year. Our experience has also allowed us to establish accurate average waiting times, with 75 percent of our families adopting within our estimated wait times. With some of the lowest average waiting times in adoption, it is no wonder why hundreds of families turn to American Adoptions each year to help realize their adoption dreams.
How is a waiting time determined?
When choosing a domestic adoption program families always want to know, "How long will we have to wait?" It comes down to four important principles:
- Advertising
- The number of adoptive families on the list compared to the annual number of adoptions where the professional located the birth parents
- The adoption desires of the adoptive family
- The desires of the birth parents
Domestic Adoption Myths
Reality:Currently, 75 percent of American Adoptions’ families adopt within our estimated wait times. Our agency carefully monitors our average wait times to ensure that they are accurate. In contrast, many families are lead to believe that they will have a shorter wait if they choose international adoption – another common myth. In reality, international adoptions are often plagued by unreliable and inconsistent adoption processes and extensive adoptive family waiting lists. Foreign governments also have been known to periodically shut down their adoption programs, often without notice or explanation.
Adoption: Where Do I Start?
Adopting a child can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. However, for adoption beginners, the adoption process can seem overwhelmingly complicated, time consuming and frustrating - especially if you are eager to get started. This factsheet provides some basic information about possible adoption alternatives and is designed to give you an understanding of the adoption process. This factsheet is one of a series of 35 adoption-related factsheets produced by the Clearinghouse, so please check the listing of other factsheets at the end for more detailed information on related topics.
Adoption at the end of the 1990s is very different from what it was even 10 years ago. Prospective adoptive families can feel vulnerable as they attempt to learn as much as possible in the shortest period of time to become informed consumers of adoption services.
The first step is to read and to educate yourself about adoption in general, the types of children available to adopt, and the various avenues to adoption. There are many informational resources available-guidebooks are listed at the end of this factsheet along with an annotated list of national adoption organizations. Adoptive parent support groups throughout the United States have members willing to assist those who are considering adoption. State Adoption Specialists in each State can send you information to help get you started. As you learn more, you will become better prepared to make the choices that are best for you.
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