Domestic Infant Adoption: Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

By Cathy Duggan, Domestic Program Manager

Since 1974, WHFC has placed over 500 domestically born children with adoptive families. While the process of a domestic placement shares many aspects of an international placement, there are also significant differences. We hope the following information is helpful in increasing your understanding of a domestic adoption.

What are the differences between a domestic newborn adoption and an international adoption?
Domestic adoption often allows the opportunity for varying levels of openness in the adoption. Unlike an international adoption, the baby is usually not yet born when an intending birth mother is matched with a possible adoptive family. Differences are also found in the matching process, the legal procedures, and the waiting times.

How is a birth parent involved in a domestic newborn adoption?
An intending birth mother is asked to review the profile(s) of a possible adoptive family so that she can feel comfortable about the family for her baby. Birth fathers may also be involved in this process. The adoptive family prepares a letter to the birth parent(s) which is presented along with a family photo album. More than one profile will be presented if requested by birthparents. After an intending birth mother selects a possible adoptive family, a meeting takes place in person or by telephone. If both parties agree, the adoptive family is matched with the birth mother. The number of meetings and telephone calls for the remainder of the pregnancy depends upon the comfort level of all concerned.

What is the difference between open and closed adoption?
A closed adoption is one in which there is no ongoing contact between birth families and adoptive families. A completely open adoption is one in which there has been a full disclosure of identity and there is ongoing contact between adoptive and birth parents. Most adoptions probably fall somewhere between the two. Initially, the degree of openness and contact is determined by agreement between the birth parents and adoptive parents. Openness in adoption is a lifelong process in which communication depends on the needs and desires of all concerned parties. Eventually, this includes the child.

What is the legal process?
Domestic adoption is regulated by state law, which varies from one state to another. Nevertheless, all states require the consent of the birth parents, the termination of their parental rights and the granting of custodial rights to the adoptive parents. If the birth father is unidentified or unknown, his rights must be terminated in court before the legalization of the adoption is granted. Adoptions are generally completed in a Family or Probate Court after the completion of the post-placement period.

Can a birth mother change her mind?
During her pregnancy, an intending birth mother is considering her options. She can choose to discontinue the process at any time during her pregnancy and for a period of time after giving birth. After the baby is born, state laws specify the length of time that must elapse before a birth mother can sign the appropriate consents. State laws also specify appeal periods and the time frame when consents are considered irrevocable.

What are the costs?
Costs in these adoptions can be separated into three categories - adoptive family services, birth parent services, and legal expenses. These services can be provided by a licensed agency, an adoption attorney and social worker or a combination of these. Expenses of the adoptive family include agency fees, production of the family profile, and, when necessary, travel to the birth mother's state of residence. In addition, there may be pregnancy-related medical expenses and subsidies for living expenses during the last trimester of pregnancy. These costs are monitored and need to be necessary, reasonable, and allowed by state regulations. Finally, if allowed by state law, prospective parents may choose to add the services of a facilitator who will maximize opportunities for a match with birthparents.

How long does it take to adopt a U.S. born infant?
Unlike international adoptions, it is not possible to predict how long a domestic adoption will take. Much depends on the wishes and choices of birthparents. The more flexible prospective parents can be, the more chances they will have for a match with a pregnant woman who is considering an adoption plan. Areas of flexibility that may help are openness to different racial/ethnic backgrounds and willingness to consider a child born with some medical risk such as a birthmother's background including alcoholism, drug abuse or mental health problems.

Can prospective parents apply for a domestic adoption while also applying for an international adoption?
Some agencies allow this kind of double application and some do not. At Wide Horizons For Children, we are pleased to offer this option to prospective parents. Once matched with a birthmother, other options are put on hold. If the referral of a foreign-born child comes first, the prospective parents will be put on hold in the domestic program. Once a child is placed, other options are withdrawn.

How can I learn more about domestic adoptions?
Call our office at 781-894-5330 and ask for an information sheet to be sent. You can also contact our Domestic Program Manager, Cathy Duggan at cduggan@whfc.org.

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