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Adoption
Plan
"This
very specialized area of counseling offers a non-biased
overview of family-building options to help individuals
and couples in making timely decisions that are mindful
of long term implications." - Joni S. Mantell, LCSW,
Director of the Infertility and Adoption Counseling Center
The
IAC Center’s approach to developing an adoption
plan is unique thanks to years of experience with people
pursuing all types of adoptions through varied agencies
and attorneys. We know the process and can help you create
the right plan for your short-term and long-term adoption
goals.
We
recommend that you come to the pre-adoption planning consultation
with an open mind and focus on what you really want. Try
to avoid being influenced by media images of birthparents
knocking on your door, or poor orphanage conditions in
certain countries. If you pursue a legal adoption with
a reputable source, you can almost always adopt the type
of child your heart truly desires.
Additionally,
it is helpful for you to begin to think through and set
the parameters about the possible adoption situations
you’d be willing to accept. This often omitted step
in the adoption process is extremely important to consider
before you are presented with a real situation and feel
under pressure to decide. Many people need some time to
think this through and we can help you define your comfort
zone. You will also want to talk about this issue with
the agencies and attorneys you are considering to see
where they stand in relation to your particular concerns.
While
developing your personalized adoption plan, you will learn:
- How
to adopt the type of child you desire.
- How
your age, health status or other factors affect your
choices.
- Whether
you wish to pursue a domestic or international adoption.
- If
you choose international adoption, how do you choose
a country from which to adopt?
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If you choose domestic adoption, will an agency or attorney
serve your purposes most effectively.
- How
to select an agency or attorney.
- How
to make the right decisions for your family mindful
of the long-term implications.
Plan
Implementation
After
your pre-adoption counseling sessions, you will receive
a personalized IAC Center Adoption Plan which includes
customized choices of several agencies and attorneys to
consider, home-study options and pediatrician referrals
(where applicable). Your IAC Center counselor will help
you process the information you gather when contacting
these sources, and will field any questions that arise
as you make your decision.
Once
you have selected your agency or attorney, you may benefit
from attending a pre-adoption support
group, psycho-educational workshop
or additional counseling sessions as you pursue the next
phases of your adoption.
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