Experts say open adoption is the healthiest option for all parties.
In an open adoption, birth and adoptive parents learn about and choose each other, and communicate and meet each other. The adoptions aren't kept secret from the child and all court records remain publicly available. According to the Independent Adoption Center, studies on open adoption show it's the psychologically healthiest option for all involved parties. Georgia allows open adoption, which can move quickly once all parties complete the appropriate forms. Every case is different and should be conducted using a qualified adoption agency or attorney.
Adoption Application
To adopt a child, prospective parents must complete Form 35-Application for Adoption and file it with the Georgia Department of Human Services. They also must submit Form 36-Medical Report, Form 44-Financial Statement and Form 404-Consent For Criminal Records Check. The application takes detailed account of parents' incomes, other children, the living situation and personal details. The application is not child-specific and can be used to initiate the adoption process. Once you file these forms, the state begins visiting and interviewing applicants about their suitability to adopt a child.
Birth Parent Consents
Unless the child is remanded to the state's custody, birth parents must both sign off on the adoption using an ADP 197 Affidavit of Consent to Adoption form. If a birth mother plans an adoption alone, she, the state and any involved adoption agency must thoroughly try to inform any known birth father or potential birth fathers. Georgia gives fathers the same rights as mothers. Both biological parents must consent to the adoption, terminating their parental rights.
History and Contact
Because the adoption is open, birth parents must complete a Form 419 Birth Family Background Information for Child and a Form 561 Biological Parent Consent To Contact. The first form gives both adoptive parents and children critical information about medical histories and family trees. The second is critical to establish that adoptive parents and the child can communicate freely with one or both birth parents. Form 574 Grandparent Acknowledgment, if both parties agree, allows contact among biological grandparents and their grandchildren.
Child's History
For adoptions of already-born children, birth parents or the state must complete FORM 432 Child's Life History Checklist/Registration. This gives prospective adoptive parents, social workers and doctors information that's critical in decision-making. For prospective parents, the decision to adopt may rely heavily on this information.
Adoptive Parent Consent
Adoptive parents must sign ADP 197 Affidavit of Consent to Adoption #2 to finalize the adoption. If adoptive parents are married, both spouses must consent.
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