questions and answers on...
Adoption
Why do families adopt?
The decision to adopt a child is a deeply emotional process. An
estimated 120,000 couples in the United States pursue adoption each year
for various reasons. These include infertility, a desire to help
children in need and a desire to have more children.
How should parents prepare for the
adoption process?
The adopting parents must be prepared to provide a safe and comfortable
home to accommodate the needs of a developing child. This would include
adequate space, access to parks and schools, and child care as well as
acceptance into the extended family and neighborhood.
How soon after submitting an
application can a family expect to be included in the assessment and
training’ phase of the home-study process?
There is no “training” phase of the home study process. It is an
assessment of the applicant(s) suitability to adopt and is just one tool
the court uses in determination the people(s) ability to adopt.
There are many licensed adoption agencies ready to guide prospective
parents through every aspect of the adoption process. The application
and home study may be accomplished in three to six months. All adoptions
require a home study. This involves three meetings, one of which is in
the home of the prospective parent, to assess readiness for adoption.
The Home Study is done by a licensed professional and includes follow
through after the child has arrived in their new home.
How long will a family wait to be
matched with a child?
Parents will choose between a domestic adoption of a child born in the
U.S., or an international adoption. There are many countries from which
international adoptions are granted. Each adoption agency has specific
countries with whom they work, and upon submission of all the necessary
paperwork to the country’s legal system, the entire process may be
completed within nine months to one year.
For more information on adoption
please contact Jewish Family Services at 414) 390-5800 or visit our
website www.jfsmilw.org.
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