If you and your partner are considering adopting a child, whether it is because you are looking to give a child a happy home to live in or you are unable to conceive, there are some initial steps you will want to take before you even begin filing any paperwork. The first three steps you need to take include educating yourself, taking the time to contact a local agency, and attending an orientation meeting. Now, this might seem like a lot to do at once so let us break down each step in more detail for you.
- Want to Adopt? It’s Time You Educate Yourself
There are many different resources available to help you learn more about becoming an adoptive parent and we are sharing with you some below. From reading about real families who have already gone through the process to reviewing a list of things you should consider before adopting, there are a multitude of resources out there that will help you feel more confident with the process and with your decision to either proceed forward or wait a little longer before initiating the adoption process.
- Important things you need to know about adoption from foster care.
- Read about the process you must go through to adopt as well as learn about local rules.
- Learn about the children.
- Contact a Local Adoption Agency
The next step you will want to take after you have gained some more information on adopting a child is to contact a local agency. Now, there are public agencies as well as private agencies. If you choose to adopt through a public agency, Adopt US Kids says their services are usually free or affordable, and in most cases, reimbursable. However, a public agency may require you “to become licensed in foster before adopting and [they] will explain to you the reasoning behind this.” While you may have no intentions of providing temporary foster care, by becoming licensed in both foster and adoption, you help to speed up the process of getting a child placed with you.
Now, if you choose to adopt through a private agency, the fees may be charged up front although you may be able to get reimbursed for some, if not all. A private adoption agency may help you “complete a home study, provide training, help you find and secure a placement, and identify or provide support services after adoption.”
If you are interested in locating a public or private adoption agency in Baton Rouge, LA or the surrounding area, contact our office and one of our LA adoption lawyers will gladly help you with this.
- It’s Time for Orientation
After you locate an adoption agency you want to work with, they will likely invite you to attend an orientation meeting where you will find out a great deal of information about the adoption process. During this meeting, you might learn more about what your roles and responsibilities will be as a new parent, the challenges you might be faced with, etc. therefore, it is safe to safe it will be very informative.
There are plenty of other steps to follow after attending orientation, but it is best you consult with a lawyer to find out what these are.
Now, one thing you need to know about the adoption process is that it can take anywhere between four to twelve months to complete as there are several things you must do in order to receive a license to adopt. With that said, if you are ready to start the adoption process or need help completing one or more of the steps we mentioned above, contact the Baton Rouge, LA adoption attorneys at Miller, Hampton & Hilgendorf. Our attorneys are also available to address any questions or concerns you may have regarding adopting a child so feel free to give us a call to schedule an initial consultation.
You can reach Miller, Hampton & Hilgendorf at:
3960 Government Street
Baton Rouge, LA 70806
225-343-2205
