Frequently Asked
Questions for the Adoptive Parent(s)
Please remember that most of the negative stories that
you may have heard or read about regarding adoption are
sensationalized by the media and are not typical of the
adoption process. For example, once birth mothers make
the decision to place their child for adoption, they
usually do not change their mind.
1. Will the baby be healthy?
Once you are matched with a birth mother, we request her
medical records and forward them to you and suggest that
they be reviewed by your physician. If your
physician has questions, often times we can facilitate
conversations between doctors. In general, most
babies are healthy.
2. How much information about the birth parents do I/we
receive?
It varies, but there are usually social background and
medical records available regarding the birth mother. If
the birth father is involved, we may receive a social and medical
background on him as well.
3. How soon after birth can the birth mother
surrender her parental rights?
Most states allow a birth mother to give up her rights
after 72 hours. Once the birth mother signs the
surrender giving up her rights as a parent, she cannot
change her mind unless there is fraud or duress.
4. How soon after birth will the child be placed in
my/our care?
In most states the child is placed with the adoptive
parents within a few days.
5. How long does it take to get a baby?
The average in our office is approximately one year,
but often it can be less than one year depending on the
flexibility of the adoptive parent(s).
6. How much contact will I/we have with the birth
mother?
Before the baby is born, you may speak with or meet the
birth mother. After the adoption, the contact usually
consists of notes and pictures, but the frequency of the
contact is agreed to by the parties before the child is
born.
7. Do I/we need a home study?
All adoptive families are required to have a home study
completed. A social worker will visit
your home, complete a criminal background check, get a
health report from your physician, and contact personal
references.
8. How much does an adoption cost?
The cost varies depending on the various needs of the
birth mother.
9. Do birth fathers have rights?
Yes, birth fathers have rights. We prefer to have the
birth father involved in the adoption process and
surrender his parental rights as well. However, in many
cases the birth fathers are not involved with the birth
mother or the baby. In those instances, the father's rights
can be ended through notification or court process.
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Our New Hampshire adoption specialists
are available
24 hours a day to
consult with you at:
1-888-95-ADOPT (23678) |