[louisianalady]

I'm new here. My husband and I are considering switching to domestic adoption. We have been in the process of adopting from Russia for quite a while, but new and seemingly neverending delays in the process of Russian adoption have made us thinking about starting all over here.

The reason I hesitated on domestic adoption in the first place is the exact reason for the existence of this forum - failed matches and contested adoptions! I just don't know if I can handle this sort of heartbreak. Before we decide what steps to take next, I want to understand the possibilities.

I have been researching agencies, and the one we are considering using does not allow the adoptive parents to take custody of the child until after the birthparents have signed the necessary consents. (So, there will be no meeting at the hospital, etc. They use temporary foster care in the meantime.) The agency says the emotional risk of a failed match is just too high.

If you combine this policy with a law that the consents, once executed, are irrevocable (which I understand is only the law in some states), what is the risk???

Is there a way that the birthparents can "change their minds" or "take the child" even after they have signed irrevocable consents?

Thanks for helping!