Reminder! We Need Your Tax Forms!

After the Adoption:

The Picture/Letter Agreement

American Adoptions specializes in semi-open adoptions, meaning there is some contact with the birth parents, however, key identifying information, such as last names and addresses, remains confidential. We also handle closed and open adoption, when requested by the birth parent.

Families who join American Adoptions are asked to sign a picture/letter agreement to provide these items to the birth parents (if requested) for a time period, typically once within the first 30 days of birth, then twice a year for the first 5 years (every 6 months) and then once a year, on or around the child's birthday, from age 6-18. This is either done directly from the adoptive parents to the birth parents, or more commonly through the agency, in which the adoptive family mails the pictures and letters to American Adoptions. Our agency then repackages the items, removing any identifying information, such as address, and then forwards the items to the birth parents. This system allows adoptive families to maintain contact with the birth parents, however ensures the confidentiality of the adoptive family's last name and address. In some cases where the birth fathers are involved, the adoptive family will be asked to send in more than one copy so that the birth mother and birth father can both receive updates. The birth parents also have the option of sending correspondence back to the adoptive couple in the form of letters, pictures and/or small gifts.

Exchanging pictures and letters through our agency is easy. Simply mail your items to:

*Be sure to include the picture/letter correspondence form that includes your full name and the birth mother's first name with your pictures/letters. This information is for internal use only and will not be forwarded to the birth mother. (If you do not have this form, please contact Michelle Downard at 1-800-ADOPTION so she can e-mail/mail you the form.)

Once received, our agency will repackage your pictures/letters and mail them to the birth mother from our agency. Your return address or last name will not be shared.

When sending pictures and letters please be sure to include current photos of your child doing a variety of activities - school portraits, photos of your child playing sports, holiday pictures, etc. Also be sure to include photos of your child with you or other family members! Remember, the birth mother chose your entire family - she wants to see photos of you with your child, as well.

If you have any questions regarding your picture/letter agreement, or when you are due to submit your pictures/letters, please contact Michelle Downard at 1-800-ADOPTION.

Preparing for Parenthood

Tips for finding a pediatrician

When preparing for parenthood, parents often find their minds a flurry with what may seem like endless "to do" lists and the excitement of shopping for cribs, strollers and car seats.

While it is easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of excitement that often comes with the adoption of a new baby, one very important aspect that waiting families should be prepared for is who you will trust with the medical needs of your new bundle of joy.

Just as pregnant couples begin their search for a pediatrician months before their baby is born, so too should waiting families. To begin, first ask your friends and neighbors that have children who they use for a pediatrician. Many insurance providers also provide a searchable list of pediatricians in their network via the Internet.

Once you have compiled a list of pediatricians and have checked with your insurance provider to ensure that they accept your form of insurance, begin to contact them and ask if they are accepting new patients. If they are, ask if you and your spouse can come in an interview the pediatrician face to face. Some pediatricians may charge for this time, while others do not. Be sure to inquire on the phone if there will be a charge for this time so that you are not surprised by a bill later.

Before meeting the pediatrician directly, prepare a list of questions to ask them. Those questions may include:

• What is the doctor's pediatric background?
• Do they have a subspecialty or area of pediatric interest? If so, what is it?
• What are the office hours? Do they offer urgent care hours?
• Is it a solo practice or a group practice? If it solo, who will cover when the doctor is unavailable? If it is a group practice, how often will your child see other doctors in the group? Also ask about the backgrounds of any other doctors in the practice.
• How can you reach the doctor after hours or during an emergency?
• What hospitals does the doctor have privileges at?
• If you have a minor question, what is the best time to call? If the doctor is not available, who will handle your questions?
• Does the doctor respond to questions via e-mail?

Also be sure to speak to the doctor about your adoption. Ask them if they have any experience in treating adopted children. Ask them what kinds of information they may want to know about the birth parent's medical or social history so that you can provide that to them when the child is born. Due to the nature of adoption, your pediatrician will most likely not be the pediatrician who will initially see your child following the birth, as the birth will probably occur in another state or town. Ask the doctor when they would like to see the baby when you return home (i.e., immediately, when the child is 2 weeks old, etc.) and what information they may need about the birth.

You should also speak to the pediatrician about any other topics or views you have about the care of your child, such as any questions or concerns you may have about childhood immunizations, circumcision or discipline techniques. Finding a pediatrician that shares or supports your views will be key in establishing a strong parent/doctor relationship for your child.

Questions & Answers With Megan

Megan
Kautio

Hello everyone, my name is Megan Kautio and I am an Adoptive Family Specialist with American Adoptions. I have had many wonderful experiences over time working with both birth parents and adoptive families. I use this weekly column to try and provide continued education and support to our clients based on questions that have been posed. My current role at American Adoptions is to advocate for and support our prospective adoptive families who are involved in our adoption process. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to share my thoughts with all of you.

Q. When will we receive a birth certificate and social security card for the child we adopted? What do we do in the interim?

A. Every child who is adopted has two birth certificates. The first birth certificate will be issued after birth and will be completed by the birth mother in the hospital. This original birth certificate will list the birth mother's name and the baby's name as given by her. The Adoptive Family may not receive a copy of this original birth certificate. An amended birth certificate will be issued after the adoption has been finalized and will list the adoptive parents' names and the baby's name as given by the family. This becomes the baby's official birth certificate and legal name. The finalizing attorney should assist the family with retrieving a copy of the birth certificate(s) once the final decree of adoption is issued. Once the adoptive family has a final adoption decree and the amended birth certificate, they can apply for a social security number. It's a good idea for the adoptive family to apply for a social security number once the adoption is finalized even if the child/infant was given a social security number after birth. Since every state has different timelines and processes, American Adoptions advises families to be proactive with asking their attorney about this process and assisting however possible rather than assuming they will just receive these documents. If a family has questions or need assistance with this process during their adoption, they are advised to contact their Adoption Specialist or finalizing attorney.

As for what to do in the interim, most families will receive paperwork at time of placement, typically an adoption/custody agreement or court document showing that they have custody of the child which can be used for insurance purposes etc. In some instances, I have had to create a more detailed letter for some families and that is something your Adoption Specialist can assist with if necessary. You should also have documents from the hospital such as a hospital birth certificate, footprints, and/or discharge summary/instructions. I suggest keeping all these documents together in a secure place so you know where everything is located should you need any documentation at any time.

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