[ShandyNBeau]

We are currently being profiled for a case in Penn. We are in NY and had planned for an adoption in our home state. We are familiar with NYS adoption law but are clueless when it comes to Penn.

Can anyone give me a brief overview?

I know in NYS we are pretty well protected. We were presented with the Penn. case and given extensive details on the birth parents, it felt 'right' to us even though we didn't have the time to delve into Penn. state law. We also trust our agency completely and know they wouldn't get us into something that wasn't ideal for us.

Thanks...

[Fran27]

I actually have a sheet about it, so I'll sum it up for you.

Birthmoms need to wait 72 hours before signing the consents, birthfathers can do it anytime. They have 30 days to change their mind, then their rights are relinquished. If the birthfather is unknown, his rights are terminated after 4 months. The state also requires two post-placement visits.

Anything specific you wanted to know?

[ShandyNBeau]

That's great Fran, thanks. Sounds pretty similar to NYS. We know that the Birth Father has already signed paperwork-- we aren't sure what exactly. The referral is coming through a "partner agency" and not our own specific agency.

The Birth Mother was fedex'd our profile Thursday night. She was also due last Thursday. She hasn't made contact with the agency since then. We aren't sure what is going on right now. We're sitting on pins and needles hoping that "no news is good news..." We aren't good at waiting through profiling anyway-- this is our third attempt at a match. We know couples who have been profiled 10, 11 even 17 times so we know we may still have a long road. This time is particularly stressful because it is twins, and also it will require us travelling and staying in Penn. for awhile so we can file necessary paperwork.

Anyway thanks for the info....

[ses1230]

Even though the bmom signs consent, there has to be a court hearing to terminate parental rights.

The only expenses allowed are medical, legal and counseling - PA is very strict about that!

If the birthfather is unavailable to sign for some reason, your lawyer will need to take out ads before the court will terminate.

Here is another thread an PA laws: http://forums.adoption.com/showthread.php?p=1315369

Stephanie

[ShandyNBeau]

Thanks Stephanie for the link.

Sounds like PA is really, really slow. UGH.

We have still not heard from the pbm on her decision so we will see waht happens.

It is so hard waiting....