Frequently Asked Questions for Adoptive Parents

• Are there residency requirements?
• What is a home study?
• Do we have contact with the biological parent(s)?
• How do we handle the expenses of the birthparent(s)?
• Will Medicaid cover any of the medical expenses?
• How do we learn of the birth of the child?
• How is relinquishment done?
• What is Interstate Compact?
• How do we travel to get the baby?
• Where can I read testimonials from adoptive parents?

Are there residency requirements?

There is no residency requirement (concerning adoption) in the State of New York for either a biological or adoptive parent. Compliance with the Interstate Compact law is required.

What is a home study?

An intensive Home Study prepared by a licensed/certified Social Worker is required by the State of New York.

Prospective adoptive parents should arrange for their Home Study as soon as possible after deciding on an adoption plan, since a child may become available for placement at any time. These arrangements are made through the Agency’s Executive Director. The Agency must have the completed Home Study in advance of matching with a birthmother.

Do we have contact with the biological parent(s)?

Adoptive Parents are likely to develop a very close relationship with the biological mother they identify. Much information may be, and certainly should be, exchanged. Adoptive Parents are advised not to give their last name or address (state of residence only), nor should they discuss finances. Because birthmothers may want a closed adoption, there are times when there is no contact between the birthparents and adoptive parents.

After a baby is placed, the Agency requires three home visits with the adoptive parents. Photographs and medical reports will be given to the Agency during the post-placement period and may be sent to the birth mother. If adoptive parents want to send a letter (or additional photographs) to the birth mother, these should be sent through the Agency.

How do we handle the expenses of the birthparent(s)?

Certain expenses may be paid for the biological parent, by an Agency. The Agency will make these arrangements. If a birth mother requires financial assistance, the Agency will establish a budget. The adoptive family approves the budget.

Adoptive Parents will make an escrow deposit with the Agency and disbursements for allowed expenses will be made from these funds. The Agency will provide itemized statements. The Agency will also supply full accountings to the Court processing the adoption and to Interstate Compact.

Will Medicaid cover any of the medical expenses?

Advocates for Adoption will work closely with the Medicaid program. The biological mother may be eligible for Medicaid. This is not welfare! If eligible, birth parents are encouraged to apply. If a biological mother is a recipient of Medicaid, thousands of dollars in medical costs may be saved, as Medicaid covers “most” of the mother’s expenses. This can be extremely beneficial to the biological mother should she have complications after or prior to the birth of the child. The child’s medical bills may not be covered by Medicaid, but will usually be reimbursed by an adoptive parent’s insurance company.

How do we learn of the birth of the child?

The Agency or its designee will advise the prospective adoptive parents of the birth of the child. If the adoptive parents desire to be present at the birth we must know immediately. The Agency will coordinate with the doctor and hospital, and tailor special counseling to prepare for the high levels of emotional involvement.

The Agency will establish a mechanism with the birth parent, the hospital and doctor to be advised of the birth.

How is relinquishment done?

The biological parents must execute a relinquishment document prior to placement of a child in an adoptive home.

The Agency will make arrangements for the relinquishment proceedings based upon: difficulty of birth, advice of the obstetrician, observations and advice of the pediatrician and/or medical specialists concerning the health status of the child and the hospital’s social services staff’s evaluation of the needs of the birth mother. There is no specific time frame for relinquishment, but this usually takes place the day the biological mother and/or child are scheduled for discharge from the hospital.

What is Interstate Compact?

This is a law with which we must comply! Since a child cannot legally cross state lines with any person other than a parent or guardian, we obtain permission from the sending state for the child to leave, and from the receiving state (the adoptive parents’ state of residence) for the child to enter. The Interstate Compact laws are administered differently in each state. If adoptive parents are not residents of the State where the baby is being surrendered and must travel to that state to take custody of their child, they should be prepared to stay at least ten working days.

How do we travel to get the baby?

Coordinate travel arrangements with the Agency. We can not assist adoptive parents if we do not know where they are. Adoptive parents not residing in the state of birth should bring enough clothing and personal items for themselves and their child to last at least two weeks. Many people find this period of being alone with their new baby a very special and emotionally intimate time.

Where can I read testimonials from adoptive parents?

Testimonials are available here.