Pennsylvania, as a whole, is quite liberal in its policies regarding adoption. For instance, the state does not have any age restrictions, thereby allowing persons above the age of eighteen to be adopted. Furthermore, Pennsylvania allows adoption by both single adults and married couples. Most recently, the state made it legal for same-sex couples to adopt a child. Pennsylvania’s liberal adoption regulations make it possible for almost all adults to adopt a child. However, in order to adopt, it is imperative for a potential parent to be familiar with the entire adoption process.
Children up for adoption
There are many factors that may make it impossible for an individual to care for a child. In such instances, some people decide to place their child up for adoption, in hopes that it will ensure a more prosperous lifestyle for the young life.
When voluntarily placing a child up for adoption, the biological parent(s) must complete a Consent to Adoption Form. Surprisingly, the protocol for this form differs from parent to parent. While the birth father can sign the form at any time, including pre-birth, the mother cannot sign the consent form until at least 72 hours after the child’s birth.
Once a child is put up for adoption, one of many Pennsylvania’ adoption agencies will work diligently to ensure that the child is placed in the hands of a nurturing family.
Adopting a child
The first step in adopting a child is to select an adoption agency that will assist in finding a child that will seamlessly transition into the new environment. Once an agency has been selected, the adoptive parent(s) must complete an application that asks for information regarding family background, composition and even the characteristics the parents are looking for in a potential child.
After several meetings with the adoptive parents, the agency will create a Family Profile that will be helpful in ensuring a good match between the parents and the adopted child. Using the information collected over the past several weeks, the adoption agency will share with other agencies the family information provided in the Family Profile. The collection of agencies will use this information to try and suggest a child that fits the desired characteristics expressed by the adoptive parents.
Once the agency has matched the adoptive parents to a potential adopted child, the parents then have a chance to spend time with the child. After monitoring the initial visits, if the agency then finds the match to be suitable, the child is then placed into the adoptive family’s home. Typically, the agencies continue to monitor the child in the home for a period lasting up to six months.
Finally, if all parties involved feel that the home is a good fit for the child, the adoptive parents can then make a formal req uest to the court. In response to the parents’ request, the court will have a hearing, at which many different factors will be assessed. Moreover, the judge will ensure that all legal obligations, such as ensuring that the child is legally eligible for adoption, are satisfied.
Upon the court’s finding of a healthy environment for the child, the formal obligations of the adoption process have been satisfied. Thereafter, the adoptive parents are the legal parents and family support for the child.
Ensuring the legal recognition of the family unit
If you or your family member is in considering adoption, contact an experienced family law attorney who can discuss available options with you. Attorneys experienced in adoption can assist their clients in finding a suitable agency, as well as ensuring that the parents receive all the parental rights that they are afforded under Pennsylvania state law.
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