An adoption is a joyous occasion that alters the lives of all who are involved. It is an opportunity to provide a new beginning for both the child and adoptive parents or parent. Although usually associated with children, adults can also be adopted.

The adopting parents or parent must have a high level of commitment not only to provide a stable and loving environment for the child but also to complete all the required steps. Few events are more significant for a family than adoptions, so the laws and procedures are designed to insure the best interests of the child are fulfilled.

There are several ways for adoptive parents to locate and arrange for an adoption. The common ways include:

In order for an adoption of a minor child to proceed, the parental rights of the biological parents must have been terminated. This termination is accomplished either by the biological parents’ voluntary relinquishment of parental rights or by the order of an appropriate court. The termination of parental rights has normally taken place in adoptions through an agency and Child and Family Services prior to the involvement of the adoptive parents.

Two key requirements are a pre-placement report (often called a homestudy) and a post-placement report. For the pre-placement report, a court-approved caseworker conducts an extensive interview and investigation of the adoptive parents prior to the placement of the child in their home. The caseworker then writes the pre-placement report that is submitted to the court. After the child is placed in the home, the caseworker does a follow-up study of the adoptive parents and child to determine how each are adapting to the new situation. The caseworker will then submit the post-placement report to the court. Both of these reports are important tools that the judge will use to help decide if the adoption is in the best interest of the child.

In keeping with the modern trend, Washington State recognizes the concept of a “closed” or “open” adoption in private or independent adoptions. A closed adoption is the traditional approach where the act of the adoption effectively cuts off the past from the present and future. The biological and adoptive parents have little, if any, information about the other and there is no contact before or after the adoption. On the other hand, an open adoption allows for biological and adoptive parents to agree to the type and frequency of contact. For example, an exchange of pictures and information may be agreed upon or even personal contact. To be enforceable, the agreement must be written and approved by the court.

Once all the documentation is in order, a private hearing is held before a judge.  If the judge determines the adoption is in the best interest of the child, parental rights are awarded to the adoptive parents.

Contact me if I can be of help with an adoption matter.