[newtoaz]

In another group that I am apart of someone stating that the adoptive parent needed to ensure that the parental rights had been terminated and not rely on the social worker/agency to do this. What is the best method for doing that?

Are there any open or semi-open fost-adopts or are most of them closed adoptions?

How often do the adoptive parents and social worker/agent meet or discuss placement of a child once the application and home study have been completed?


We know about the adoption tax break. Are there any other subsidies, stipends or reimbursements we should be aware of?

We are thinking about going to an orientation, just for more information. After attending, do they follow up with you to see where you are in the process or is it just a show up, discuss and everyone goes home (no sign in sheet, intros, etc)?

We can search photolistings and see kids from different states. Does AZ "frown" upon adoption out of state? or do they care at all? What affect does adopting out of state have on the adoption process?


Thanks!

[DianeS]

Here goes...

If you attend the court dates that affect the children in your care, then you'll know. Someone else will probably chime in if there are other ways.

Most adoptions from foster care are closed. After all, the birthparents involved have shown REPEATEDLY that they are unable to do what is right for their child when it conflicts with what they themselves want. There are some exceptions of course, especially if the parents are simply too mentally incapacitated to take care of the child they gave birth to and love, or with extended family who tried to help but were unable to do enough.

With my agency, you meet with them to do the homestudy. Then you see somebody again when they bring a child to your door. Everything else is done over the phone. However, if you are in this for straight adoption, you would meet with a worker to learn more information about the child and decide whether or not to accept the child's placement. This is one of the things you would do good to ask your individual agency about.

Depending on the child you adopt, there may be an adoption stipend that picks up where the foster care stipend left off. The child usually needs to be considered special needs for that, each state defines that differently. Your state may also have a non-recurring expenses reimbursement that you can apply for after finalizing an adoption. And remember, if the child you adopt is considered by their state to be special needs, you qualify for the *whole* adoption tax credit, not just an amount equal to what you spent.

Absolutely attend an orientation to find out more. Every agency handles follow up differently - the agency I used does no follow up at all. They figure if you can't figure out the steps and get yourself through them and advocate for yourself, you'd be useless as a foster parent trying to advocate for the child anyway.

Adopting out of state is treated differently by each state, so hopefully someone will know yours. I know it always adds an extra wrinkle because there is a sheaf of paperwork each state must complete. But other than that it is usually possible aftyer you complete whatever waiting period your state imposes on you, because they'd rather place a child from their own state with you.

Hope that answers some of your questions!