Adoption

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Adoption is the legal act of permanently placing a child with a parent or parents other than the birth parents. This process results in the severing of the parental responsibilities and rights of the biological parents, transferring those rights and responsibilities to the adoptive parents. After finalizing an adoption, there exists no legal distinction between biological and adopted children.

In various jurisdictions, adoption and post-adoption laws vary considerably. Some areas practice closed or confidential adoption, which stops any future contact between the adoptive individual and their biological parents. Conversely, other jurisdictions may practice varying degrees of open adoption, allowing such contact. An often underreported fact is that in many jurisdictions, open adoptions aren't legally enforceable agreements[1]. In other words, an open adoption agreement can be terminated at any point and for any reason.

Reasons for Adoption

Adoptions take place for a multitude of reasons. Numerous children undergo adoption because their biological parents decide they cannot adequately care for them. In nations where being a single mother may be deemed disgraceful and socially unacceptable, women in such situations might choose adoption for their offspring. Occasionally, these women abandon their offspring at or near orphanages, facilitating their adoption.

At times, biological parents might lose their parental rights against their wishes. Typically, this happens when children enter foster care due to experiences of abuse, neglect, or abandonment. If the parents cannot rectify the problems leading to their children's suffering (like drug or alcohol misuse), a court might decide to terminate their parental rights, paving the way for the children's adoption.

A minimal fraction of adopted children are those orphaned by their biological parents' demise.

Historically, some governments have terminated parental rights based on the perceived inadequacy of the parents' ethnic or cultural group. Such policies affected Aboriginal Peoples in Australia, and Native Americans in the US and Canada. Additionally, in numerous nations, unwed mothers, under pressure or coercion from families, religious entities, or governments, have been forced to give up their children for adoption. Such past practices have sparked passionate social and political debates in recent times.

The primary motivation for adoption varies between countries, largely influenced by legal and social frameworks. Infertility often stands as a major reason. Other reasons include a lack of a partner of the opposite gender, or an unwillingness to employ a surrogate or sperm donor. Thus, single individuals and same-sex couples frequently turn to adoption. In many Western countries, step-parent adoption becomes prevalent when individuals seek to solidify a new family following the death or divorce of one partner.

Applying to Adopt

Applying to adopt a child can be a meticulous process, ensuring the safety and best interests of the child. The specific procedures and requirements can vary based on jurisdiction and type of adoption, but some common steps include:

• Home Study: This is an evaluation of the prospective adoptive parents' home environment. It often includes interviews, background checks, and financial assessments. Its primary goal is to ensure that the adopting family can provide a stable, safe, and nurturing environment for the child.
• Training and Preparation: Some jurisdictions require potential adopters to undergo training sessions. These sessions cover various topics like understanding the needs of adopted children, addressing attachment issues, and preparing for challenges that might arise post-adoption.
• Legal Documentation: Prospective adoptive parents need to provide necessary legal documents, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates (if applicable), financial statements, and more.
• Matching Process: After fulfilling the pre-adoption requirements, agencies or relevant authorities often assist families in finding a child that matches their preferences and circumstances.
• Post-Placement Supervision: After the child's placement, there might be a period of supervision where social workers or agency representatives visit the family, ensuring that the child's needs are being met and that the integration is smooth.

Adoption by Homosexual Couples

Adoption by homosexual couples has been a topic of discussion and evolution over the past few decades. In many jurisdictions, the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals and couples to adopt have expanded significantly.

• Legislation: By 2021, many countries, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and many countries in Western Europe, have made it legal for same-sex couples to adopt without any discrimination. However, some countries still prohibit same-sex adoption or place certain restrictions.
• Benefits: Research has indicated that children raised by homosexual couples fare just as well in emotional, cognitive, social, and psychological aspects as those raised by heterosexual couples. The primary factor in children's well-being is the quality of their upbringing, not the sexual orientation of their parents.
• Challenges: While legislation in many parts of the world has evolved, societal perceptions can sometimes lag. Same-sex couples might face challenges like societal prejudices, biased opinions from certain adoption agencies, or cultural stigmas. However, with growing awareness and advocacy, these barriers are gradually diminishing.
• Statistics: In the United States, as of 2021, approximately 21% of same-sex couples have adopted children, according to the UCLA's Williams Institute. This indicates a rising trend and acceptance of adoption within the LGBTQ+ community and the general populace.

Cost of adoption

Adoption can vary in cost based on several factors, including the type of adoption, location, and the agency or facilitator used. On average, private agency adoptions can range from $20,000 to $45,000. International adoptions tend to cost more, averaging between $25,000 to $50,000. Adoption through foster care systems is generally less expensive, often costing $0 to $3,000.

Adoption numbers

Every year, thousands of children find homes through adoption. As of 2021, in the United States, approximately 135,000 children are adopted each year. International adoptions for U.S. families have decreased over the years, with only about 4,000 in recent times, down from a high of 23,000 in 2004.

Issues surrounding adoption

Adoption can come with a myriad of issues, including:

• Legal Issues: Regulations and laws can complicate the adoption process, particularly in international adoptions.
• Emotional Challenges: Both adoptive parents and adopted children can face emotional challenges related to identity, attachment, and potential trauma.
• Cultural and Racial Identity: Transracial or transcultural adoptees might grapple with their cultural or racial identity.

Adoption in the schools

Adopted children in school environments can face unique challenges. Schools need to be sensitive to the backgrounds of adopted children, and educators should be trained to support them, especially in topics like family tree assignments or discussions about genetics.

Adoption in the media

The portrayal of adoption in the media can influence societal perceptions. While there are many positive representations, there have also been negative or misinformed depictions that can perpetuate stereotypes.

Adoption in the wake of disasters

Natural disasters, wars, or societal breakdowns can lead to an increase in orphaned children. Adoption in such contexts requires extra care to ensure the best interests of the child are preserved, avoiding unethical practices.

Adoption reform

Over the years, there have been pushes for adoption reform to address issues like sealed birth records, rights of birth parents, and the rights of adoptees to know their origins.

Reunion

Reunion refers to the meeting of adoptees with their birth families. With advancements in DNA testing and the rise of databases, reunions have become more accessible for those seeking biological connections.

Adoptism

Adoptism is the belief that adopted individuals are somehow different or inferior to those who aren't adopted. It's essential to counter such prejudices through awareness and education.

Language of adoption

The words we use matter. Phrases like "real parents" or "given up" can be hurtful. The adoption community emphasizes using positive adoption language, such as "birth parents" and "placed for adoption."

Variations in adoption

Adoption practices vary globally, influenced by cultural, religious, and legal factors. For instance, kinship adoptions are more prevalent in some cultures, while others may emphasize non-relative adoptions.

See also

• Foster care
• Guardianship
• Orphanages

External links

• Australia: Australian Government Department of Social Services
• Canada: Adoption in Canada
• Iceland: Icelandic Child Welfare Services
• Ireland: Adoption Authority of Ireland
• United Kingdom: UK Government Adoption Information
• United States: Child Welfare Information Gateway

Adoption Resources
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