Top 3 benefits to self-navigating adoption
Every adoption method had pros/cons associated with it. Private adoption is no different, but to us the pros by far outweigh the cons.
Our favorite private adoption benefits for couples looking to adopt are:
- You can self match!
Using a site like PairTree means expectant moms and adopting parents are able to build a direct relationship with one another, without a middle man. In most cases (…90%!), you’re going to be connected to one another for the rest of your life anyhow, so why not start with an honest and direct relationship from the start. - Control Reduces Stress
Taking more control of the journey can reduce stress and even make the adoption process more enjoyable. - Less Cost & Time
On average, self-matching shortens the time and cost to adopt by 86% – which makes adoption a reality for so many more people.
The Private Adoption (Self Matching) Process at a Glance
You might be wondering what the steps between the time you decide to pursue adoption and the much anticipated Finalization Day – the day you’ll finalize your adoption. Here’s what you can expect:
- First you need to build your team with two key players: an attorney and a social worker.
- Next, get your Home Study completed. Don’t stress, you have nothing to worry about!
- Find your match! This can take six months on average. When you build your adoption profile on an intelligent self-matching site, like PairTree, your profile will be seen by expectant moms. Just like dating, this step takes time, and patience is imperative so that the most highly-compatible match be made for both the expectant mom, the child and the adoptive parents.
- When the newborn has arrived, and parental rights have been terminated (this is often referred to as TPR), the legal process starts and the adoption paperwork is filed with the court.
- Custody-Transfer: When the court has reviewed the request for adoption, it will issue a signed custody order. This order confirms that the Judge is in agreement with all of the submitted paperwork and is ready to approve the adoption.
- Post Placement Report(s): Once custody has been transferred to the adoptive parents, your social worker will proceed with post-placement visits to ensure the adoptive family and child are doing well. The amount of post-placement reports is determined by each state. If the child is placed across state lines through the Interstate Child Placement Compact (ICPC) then the receiving state will need to supervise the placement and submit reports to the sending state until the adoption is finalized in court.
- Finalization: Once the post placement report(s) have been completed and the family and the new child are thriving, a court date will be set to finalize the adoption.
Ready to start the process? Join PairTree today!
Any questions? Reach out to us at hello@pairtreefamily.com.
