[pixiestix]

Has anyone out there had any experience with open adotion WITHIN their families?
My 19-year-old daughter is giving up her baby to my sister and her husband who are unable to conceive.
So far it's gone amazingly well.
We're a close and loving family. I hope it always will be.
I'd like to know if anyone else has a story like this and how it's working out.
thank you

[bromanchik]

Kinship adoption can be tricky. Are you working with an professionals on what the issues are? May I suggest "The Open Adoption Experience" as a great book to read.

Kinship adoptions change the family structure in really subtle ways. You will be both aunt and grandma to this child....your daughter will be primarily the birthmom, not just a neice to your sister. Will your sister be able to handle a more "equal" relationship with your daughter?

Also, this type of situation increases the likelyhood that your daughter will feel obligated to place her child. The decision to place a child for adoption cannot fully be made until after the baby is born? Will your daughter have the space and ability to revisit her decision without pressure?

Just a few things to think about.

--
Brenda Romanchik, Director
Insight: Open Adoption Resources and Support
721 Hawthorne
Royal Oak, MI 48067
Phone/fax: 248-543-0997
Expectant parent/Birthparent Resource line: 877-879-0669
Website http://www.openadoptioninsight.org
brenr@openadoptioninsight.org

[Bria_billing]

can anyone give me information on adoptions within the family? I plan on adopting my sister in laws child in 1 month and need to know what needs to be done to be able to do that.

[Davids Mom]

My husband and I adopted my sister’s baby three years ago. It has worked out wonderfully for us. My sister lives in another State, and we visit at least once a year. We stay with my mom and she comes over to visit. How we did it was I took the baby home with me straight from the hospital, my lawyer sent her all the papers to sign and she returned them. We had to do a home study, and then went to court; the adoption was finalized with in a year. My son will know he is adopted, but my sister did not want him to know who his bio mom is until he’s at least 18. She didn’t want to confuse him, or her other small children. That was the only stipulation she wanted before she would place him with us.

Hope this helps