How can I identify a baby to adopt?

Obviously, there are a number of licensed adoption agencies (such as Edna Gladney Home) who place children with adoptive parents.  Other alternatives would involve a private placement by a birthmother.  Often a relative, a friend or an acquaintance will be the means whereby a birthmother will become aware of an adoptive couple with whom she may place her child.

What if the child to be adopted and the couple seeking to adopt are from different states?

The couple seeking to adopt must comply with the Interstate Compact regulations and the laws of the states involved in the adoption.  There are very strict rules and laws that apply to this situation and need to be explained by an attorney.  However, the important point is that the child must not leave its state of birth without complying with the Interstate Compact.

What is the process of termination of parental rights and adopting a child?

Once an adoptive couple has been selected for a child, the legal process can begin.  Before adoption can be granted, the parental rights of the birthparents must be terminated by order of a court.  The birthparents can have their parental rights terminated voluntarily or involuntarily.  In most cases the parents voluntarily waive their rights by signing an affidavit, so the court will order a termination of the parent’s rights.  The adoptive couple must have (1) a qualified social worker perform a pre-adoptive home screening before the child comes lives in their home, and a post-placement report; and (2) a criminal history report filed with the court before the adoption is granted.  Except for adoption of a family member, a health, social, educational and genetic history report will be prepared and given to the adoptive couple to provide information on the child and to assist in future medical decisions related to the child.  It is important to involve an attorney at the earliest moment an adoption is considered due to the complexity of the adoption process.