Adoption

Adoption is when an adult becomes legally responsible for a child’s needs as if that child was born to him or her. Thousands of parents adopt children every year in New York State: privately, internationally and through foster care. The Coalition supports all families who adopt in New York, with a special focus on recruiting families for children in foster care.


Adoption 101

Families are the best way society has found to rear its children. Some children, unfortunately, are born into families who – for whatever reasons – are unable to rear them. Adoption provides a means for other committed families, to legally incorporate them into their families.

Just starting to look into adoption and don’t know where to start? Discover what adoption is and isn’t and read about the realities and issues to consider before adoption. Learn more about the different options for adopting a child a New York.


How to Adopt a Baby or Child in New York

The first step in adopting a child in New York state is to decide what agency to work with then and choose the type of adoption. Families can work with the local Department of Social Services in your county, with a private agency, a public agency or in some cases just directly with an attorney. While their job is to guide you along the way, prospective adoptive parents should understand the process of adoption, the requirements and how to find a perfect fit with your adoption service provider. The basic tasks in the adoption process in New York State can be broken down into three basic operations: Certification, Placement and Finalization.


Adoption Financial Supports

Fees for private or international adoption may range anywhere from $10,000 to $50,000 or more. Adopting from foster care is either low cost ($2,000 or less) or free. Additionally, many of the children adopted from foster care are eligible for adoption assistance and medical insurance also known as the adoption subsidy. This subsidy is to help their parents cover the costs of caring for them. The Federal Adoption Tax Credit/Refund, workplace benefits and other funding assistance is also possible.


Legal Issues in Adoption

Adoption is regulated by federal and state laws. The following resources should help you understand the basics about New York adoption laws. Other sections provide information about adoption law sources, adoptive/foster families rights to information about adopted children and wrongful adoption.


Post Adoption Support and Services

Most of the time, children and youth who have been adopted are not thinking about adoption and its complexities. Like other children and youth, they are busy with schoolwork, sports, and social events. But there are developmental stages, milestones and events that can trigger emotional or behavioral responses. Sometimes, these events can prompt new questions and thoughts related to being adopted. Children in adoptive families do better when their families are fully prepared and supported to address needs and issues as they arise, rather than waiting for challenges to reach a crisis level. Post-adoption services are a vital support to all adoptive families. Ny utilizing support programs; you will be able to remain committed and effective parents as you raise your children to be happy, healthy adults.


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