Today’s post features a brief overview and explanation of post-placement steps that happen before, during, and after adoption finalization.
Most adoptive parents want their adoption finalized as quickly as possible. Typically adoptions are finalized within a year or less. There may be circumstances that may delay finalizing an adoption.
Completing the post placement supervision
Every adoptive placement has a post placement supervisory period. For example, New York State law requires that agencies supervise families for three months after placement before an adoption becomes final. This supervision period is very important as it allows the adoption agency to ensure that the family and child are comfortable together and that the family can meet the child’s needs. During the supervisory period, a caseworker will visit the child and adoptive family to provide support and assistance. After the required number of supervision visits, if the placement is deemed successful, the agency will consent to the family’s petition to adopt.
Completing the adoption in court
An adoption typically finalizes with the assistance of an attorney retained by the adoptive parents. When all the agency papers have been submitted, the adoption may be finalized in court. At the finalization hearing, the adoptive family agrees to assume full legal rights and obligations for the child’s care, and the agency’s supervision is no longer required.
Adoption does not end at finalization
Adoption is a life-long journey for all members of the adoption triad – adoptive parents, birth parents and adoptees. Regardless of how a person is specifically touched by adoption, there are some inherent challenges, questions, and issues that may present themselves over the course of time.
Contacting the agency for post adoption services
Post adoption services can go a long way towards helping individuals and families achieve greater stability, deeper understanding, and comprehensive support. Stronger families are created directly as a result of accessing post adoption services.
Family STAR provides individual and group counseling, support, and referral for:
- Post Adoption
- Infertility
- Marriage and Divorce
- Parenting
- Search and Reunion
- Grief and Loss
- Attachment and Bonding
- Support Groups
Family STAR serves any and all children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families who express an interest in or a need for post adoption services.