When you’re hoping to adopt in Vermont, you’ll likely have many questions about the domestic adoption process. The following will be a guide for those who want to know more about adopting a baby in the U.S. and what adoption in Vermont looks like with American Adoptions.

As every adoption is different, we encourage you to speak with an adoption specialist at 1-800-ADOPTION. They will be able to listen to your situation and provide you with more information about adoption in Vermont.

Step 1: Infertility to Adoption in VT

Making the decision to adopt a newborn baby in Vermont isn’t always an easy one. Often, couples hoping to adopt have struggled for years with infertility. Some families start researching how to adopt a baby in the U.S. after several rounds of infertility treatments.

Before you can adopt a child in Vermont, you’ll need to come to terms with not being able to have a child biologically and fully embrace the idea of growing your family through adoption. Moving from infertility to adoption can be a difficult transition. If you’re looking to adopt a baby in Vermont, the first step is to talk with an adoption counselor. They’ll be able to provide you with more information and educational resources so that you can determine if adoption is the right option for you.

If you’re having trouble deciding if adoption is right for you, speaking with an adoption counselor or reaching out to close family and friends is a step in the right direction. Adoption is a deeply personal decision — you should take the time to decide which option is best for you.

Step 2: Different Types of Adoption in Vermont

Even though American Adoptions specializes in infant adoption, there are a few other ways to adopt a child in Vermont:

• Foster-to-Adopt: This option is intended for those interested in adopting a child older than an infant and as old as 18 years of age. If you’re interested in adopting a child in Vermont who is part of a sibling group or a child with special needs, you should consider foster care.

• International Adoption: This option is for those interested in adopting a child abroad with a specific culture and ethnic heritage in mind. If you’re interested in an international adoption, it’s important to understand a transracial adoption in Vermont and what it’s like being an international adoptee.

• Domestic Adoption: If you are specifically looking to adopt an infant for your Vermont adoption, choosing a domestic adoption agency is the best way to go. With our agency, you’ll experience shorter wait times and other great services. To learn more about adopting an infant domestically, please call 1-800-ADOPTION.

There is no right method to adopt a child in Vermont. It’s important to research all of your options to make the right decision for your family.

Step 3: Choose an Adoption Professional

Finding the right adoption professional will take some hard work. In a domestic adoption, couples who are interested in adopting a newborn in Vermont have several options when it comes to which professional they would like to work with. You’ll want to research the pros and cons for all professionals to learn what works best for you.

In addition, you’ll also want to investigate the following key factors:

• Wait times

• Disruption rates

• Financial protection in the event of a disruption

• Agency costs and additional feeds

• Educational resources

• And more!

American Adoptions is involved in more than 300 newborn baby adoptions annually. Learn more about our adoption services for adoptive families here.

Step 4: Become an Active Waiting Family

If you decide to work with American Adoptions to adopt a child in Vermont, you’ll need to complete an APQ so that your adoption profile can be presented to expectant birth mothers who have the same goals for adoption as you do.

Every adoptive family that works with American Adoptions will create an adoption profile. These print and video profiles will be shown to prospective birth mothers in Vermont and across the United States. You can describe what your family is like, hobbies that you enjoy together, and so much more.

Lastly, you’ll need to complete an adoption home study. This is mandatory for every adoptive family no matter which type of adoption they are pursuing, and must be completed before they can adopt a child in Vermont or anywhere else in the U.S. Your social worker will conduct interviews with all members of your family, as well as a home inspection. Additionally, you will need to provide documentation that proves you are ready to bring a child into your home. The type of paperwork can include criminal background checks, financial and medical information, and more.

If you’re ready to begin your adoption home study, you should first speak with a home study professional in Vermont. They will be able to tell you which documents are applicable for your adoption home study and guide you in the right direction.

Step 5: Waiting for Your Adoption Opportunity

After completing the first three steps to become an active family, the waiting begins. Generally, most adoptive families receive their adoption opportunity phone call from their specialist within 1 to 12 months.

This waiting period can be very difficult for families that want to adopt a baby in Vermont. It’s important to continue your normal routines as much as possible. Your adoption specialist will be with you during the waiting period and will give you more resources. For example, they may provide you with the Preparing for Adoption Manual in addition to other resources deemed necessary. Before you know it, you’ve received the call from your specialist for a child adoption opportunity in Vermont!

Step 6: Finalization

Finalization is the last step of the child adoption process in Vermont. Before you can make it to this monumental step, however, you’ll need to complete a few things beforehand.

• Consent to the Adoption: After the baby is born, Vermont law states that birth parents cannot consent to the adoption until at least 36 hours have passed. Once consent has been given, the birth parents will have voluntarily terminated their rights.

• Complete ICPC: If you are pursuing a domestic adoption, it’s not uncommon to have to travel across state lines to meet the newest member of your family. If this is the case, you’ll need to follow the rules and regulations of the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children before you can bring your newly adopted child home to Vermont. 

• Post-Placement Visits: After placement has occurred, your social worker will check in with your family again to evaluate how everyone is adjusting with the newest member of their family. A summary of your post-placement visits will be used in recommending your final decree of adoption.

Once you have met the necessary requirements for your adoption in Vermont, you will be scheduled to appear in court about six months after placement for a finalization hearing. After the judge has reviewed your adoption and made sure that everything has been followed accordingly, you will be granted the final decree of adoption. With your decree of adoption in hand, your child is now an official legal member of your family.

To learn more about what to expect during your finalization hearing or to learn more about the adoption process, please call 1-800-ADOPTION.

Life after the Adoption

Once you have completed all the legal requirements to finalize an adoption in Vermont, your child will be a permanent member of your family. But that doesn’t mean that your adoption journey is over. Depending on your situation, you will likely have some level of contact with the birth parents after the adoption is complete.

All adoptive parents should educate their child about their history. Exchanging photos, phone calls, and visits with the birth parents are all great ways to teach your child about their unique background.

To start your Vermont adoption with American Adoptions, please call 1-800-ADOPTION at any time. An adoption counselor would be more than happy to discuss the adoption process in Vermont in more detail. 

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