Adopting a child is a wonderful way to expand your family.
The adoption process in Maryland can be lengthy and difficult. The state offers several options when it comes to adopting a child, and allows both agency adoptions and independent adoptions. It is important to seek the guidance of an adoption agency or attorney when you begin the adoption process. Either -- or both -- will guide you through your adoption and help to eliminate some of the stress and confusion that the process may cause.
Instructions
1. Decide what type of adoption you want. You have the option of adopting an older child or an infant. You can elect to adopt a child from within the United States, or you can choose to adopt internationally. In Maryland, there are two types of adoptions: independent and agency. An independent adoption is done privately with the guidance of an adoption attorney, but without the use of an adoption agency. An agency adoption is processed through an adoption agency. Decide if you want to work with an agency or complete the adoption privately.
2. Contact an adoption agency to help you through the adoption process. The agency will provide you with information regarding all of the children who are looking for a home within the United States, and Maryland specifically. Ensure that the agency you are working with is licensed in Maryland.
3. Contact an adoption attorney if you decide to do a private adoption. You can also contact your local adoption agency and ask if they can recommend a qualified adoption attorney. Confirm that your attorney is licensed in the state of Maryland and is familiar with the adoption process. Ask whether or not they handle both the termination of parental rights as well as the preparation and processing of adoption agreements. Your attorney should be knowledgeable about the adoption process and prepared to guide you.
4. Determine whether you are willing to adopt a special needs child. In Maryland, the term "special needs" has a broad definition. It includes children of every race, older children, sibling groups that need to be adopted together, as well as children with special physical or emotional needs. Maryland requires that you complete 27 hours of training classes prior to completing a special needs adoption. These classes will educate you about the problems and issues that can arise when adopting a special needs child.
5. Complete the required home study. You are required to complete the home study regardless of the type of adoption you choose. The adoption agency that you are working with will complete the home study in hopes of matching you with a child that is best suited for your family. The study includes questions about your marital status, financial information, and health records. The agency also performs fingerprints and a criminal background check.
6. Obtain temporary custody of the child you wish to adopt. This will be processed by either the adoption agency, or your adoption attorney through the appropriate circuit court. During the time you have custody, your agency and/or the circuit court will supervise the child and maintain legal custody of the child, while you maintain physical custody of the child. After the appropriate supervisory period, the agency or court will give its consent for you to legally adopt the child.
7. File your petition for adoption in the circuit court of the county in which you reside. Your attorney or the adoption agency will assist you in drafting and filing your petition, as the process can vary between courts.
Tags: adoption agency, adoption process, adoption attorney, special needs, circuit court