Everything You Need To Know About Kinship Care

What Is Kinship Care?

Kinship care, in its most basic form, is an arrangement in which a child who has gone into the custody of the state can be cared for by one of the child's relatives.

According to New York City Caregiver, to be considered a candidate for kinship care you must be one of the following:

• aunts
• brothers
• sisters
• great aunts
• cousins
• grandparents
• husbands and wives of the aforementioned respectively

Why Kinship Care?

Generally, when a parent loses custody of their child, the state will try to eventually reunite the child with his or her parent. The goal of the state isn't to separate the family for more than necessary.

For situations where it looks like the parent will be able to eventually regain custody, or for the state agency to determine its next plan for the child, kinship care allows the child's family to step in and care for the child privately on a temporary basis.

The Pros and Cons of Kinship Care

The Pros

• Keeps the child with family members
• Gives the child more stability
• Allows grandparents or other relatives to continue being part of the child's life
• Eligibility for kinship care isn't too strenuous once the familial relationship status is met

The Cons

• Kinship care amounts to temporary physical custody
• Major decisions can't be made without the consent of the state or the agency with legal custody
• Foster care payments aren't available to kinship care providers

Is Kinship Care the Right Option For Me?

As with any question related to custody arrangements for children who have been taken from their homes, the answer here is that it depends.

If it appears that the parent will soon meet the requirements for custody, kinship care might be a quick and easy final solution.

On the other hand, if you want to care for the child permanently, you may have to consider using kinship care as a stepping stone to formal adoption or guardianship.

Contact us to find out more about your options if you're considering the adoption of a relative.

To learn more about adoptions, contact our Adoptions From The Heart offices in:

Greensburg, PA (Pittsburgh)
1225 S Main St #207
Greensburg, PA 15601
(724) 853-6533

Philadelphia, PA
30 Hampstead Cir
Wynnewood, PA 19096
(610) 642-7200

Allentown, PA
2212 Union Blvd
Allentown, PA 18109
(610) 432-2384   
 

8 Steps To Adopting A Special Needs Child

If you can't have a child, adopting a special needs child can be a good way to go. The procedure can be long, but once the adoption is final, you'll have a unique new addition to your family.

8 Important Adoption Steps

1. Look for a legitimate special needs adoption agency

Most orphanages and adoption centers only allow applications from adoption agencies they recognize.

2. Find out what you need to do

Once you've found a legitimate adoption agency, find out more about the adoption process, such as how much time and money is involved.

3. Get your application folder together

You'll need to submit the following documents:

• criminal background check
• certified copies of health documents
• a cover letter
• tax documents that show your yearly income
• the number of people in your family
• pictures of your family and home

A certified notary will also need to authenticate them.

4. Fill out the application

You'll also need to complete an application where you state the age of the child you want to adopt, as well as their health status and gender.

5. Wait for a referral

After the adoption agency approves your application, they may send you a referral that includes the child's picture and a brief introduction letter. If you want more information, you can contact the adoption agency. Once you've found out what you need to know, you can give them your answer.

6. Travel to the location to finish the adoption

If you're adopting a child that lives in another state or country, you may have to travel to the location to finish the process.

7. Get an exit permit

Once you've met the child and have gotten to know them, you'll have to get an exit permit for them.

8. Complete more paperwork

Once the adoption is final, there may be more paperwork. If you're adopting internationally, you may have to get them a passport and immigrant visa.

The procedure is long but worth it.

To learn more about adoptions, contact our Adoptions From The Heart offices in:

Greensburg, PA (Pittsburgh)
1225 S Main St #207
Greensburg, PA 15601
(724) 853-6533

Philadelphia, PA
30 Hampstead Cir
Wynnewood, PA 19096
(610) 642-7200

Allentown, PA
2212 Union Blvd
Allentown, PA 18109
(610) 432-2384   

Unplanned Pregnancy And Adoption As An Option

Dealing with an unplanned pregnancy can be scary and you may feel like you are alone. Maybe you don't have the financial resources to care for a baby at this point in your life. You may not be emotionally mature enough to be a parent right now. But, you still want to have the baby and do what is best for the baby. One option you should consider is adoption.

Why Adoption Is A Good Option

You no doubt want to do what is right for your baby. You want him or her to have a good life and to be happy. Perhaps, you are not at a point in your life right now where you can provide a loving, nurturing home for your child that would allow him or her to thrive.

One of the greatest acts of love that a mother in your position can do is to give her baby up for adoption to a loving and financially secure family that will provide a stable home for the child. There are so many wonderful couples who want nothing more than to have children but are unable to do so. But, when you choose adoption, your baby receives a good home and a loving couple gets to experience the joy of having a child. With some agencies like AdoptionsFromTheHeart, you can select the family you want for your baby, which brings up the next point.

You Are Involved In The Adoption Process

Maybe you're thinking about adoption, but you are afraid of what type of family your child will go to. This is why it is essential that you understand the adoption process and your part in it. You can be relieved to know that you do not have to blindly place your baby with a family of which you have no knowledge. Once you start the adoption process, you can review prospective adoptive families and possibly meet and interview them. You can then select the family that you feel most comfortable with.

To learn more about adoptions, contact our Adoptions From The Heart offices in:

Greensburg, PA (Pittsburgh)
1225 S Main St #207
Greensburg, PA 15601
(724) 853-6533

Philadelphia, PA
30 Hampstead Cir
Wynnewood, PA 19096
(610) 642-7200

Allentown, PA
2212 Union Blvd
Allentown, PA 18109
(610) 432-2384  

Adoption Across Racial And Cultural Lines

Although transracial adoption is becoming more common, many adoptive parents and couples are wanting children to look like them. Couples may find it an easier transition for the child to adjust when the physical features of their new child somehow are similar to theirs. However, in transracial adoptions, the reality is the skin color, hair color and texture, and eye color will differ dramatically which, unfortunately, can make it challenging for families. Even though ethnicity and culture matter, parents should not be banned from adopting children who come from a different culture.

 

Can You Be Stopped From Adopting In Another Country?

These days, most countries allow multi-racial adoption and allow the adoptive parents to take the child away from their home to the parents country. However, there are a few countries that have strict rules about allowing parents to adopt from a different country and take them abroad, especially if the child has to leave their home and go back to the adoptive parents country where everything is unfamiliar to them.

 

 Adoptive Parents Must Be Equipped

 AdoptionsFromTheHeart recognizes that a lot of families adopt across racial and cultural boundaries and international adoption would be ideal for those families who choose that option. In such circumstances, it helps to have support across the board to be able to raise children in an environment that is color-blind and helps them transition to becoming American. There are many resources that help families adopting across racial and cultural boundaries that help them navigate the challenges that arise with these types of adoptions.

Unlike past years, these days it has become much easier for parents to adopt a child or children. Whether the child comes from a different culture, race, religion, or ethnicity, minority children and orphans need a loving home with caring parents.

To learn more about adoptions, contact our Adoptions From The Heart offices in:

Greensburg, PA (Pittsburgh)
1225 S Main St #207
Greensburg, PA 15601
(724) 853-6533

Philadelphia, PA
30 Hampstead Cir
Wynnewood, PA 19096
(610) 642-7200

Allentown, PA
2212 Union Blvd
Allentown, PA 18109
(610) 432-2384  

Changes In International Adoption Rates

For many years, it has been a popular trend for Americans to adopt a child outside of the United States. This has been especially so for celebrities. However, there has been a drop in the rates of international adoption recently. In fact, over the last decade, there has been a 70% drop in the number of international adoptions by American citizens. There are several reasons why this is occurring. No, it's not because there has been a rise in the adoption of American children. It is also not because it is no longer an "in thing" to adopt a baby from another country.

Popular Countries Are Now Off Limits

In the past, it was very popular to adopt a child from Vietnam, Guatemala, and Cambodia. However, there have been some questions regarding there being corruption within those countries' adoption practices. As a result, the United States has now banned Americans from adopting children from these once very popular countries. Unfortunately, this means that those wishing to adopt will have to seek out children from other countries. Or, they will have to focus on adopting a child within the United States.

Stricter International Laws

As a result of the Hague Convention, countries must comply with strict adoption laws and openly communicate with not only the United States, but other countries in order to prevent the potential selling, trafficking, and abduction of foreign children.

The United States joined the Hague Convention in 2008 in an effort to reduce these horrible crimes against children. In addition, it reduces the number of illegally adopted children entering the United States. As a result, fewer children are put in danger. Foreign adoptions are also more closely monitored than they ever were before. Agencies such as AdoptionsFromTheHeart offer home studies for adoptions from these countries.

Foreign Policies Restricting Americans from Adopting

Some countries have placed restrictions on Americans being able to adopt children from their country. For example, Russia has banned Americans from adopting a Russian child and bringing the child into the United States. Some countries are doing it because they dislike Americans. However, other countries are enforcing the ban because they are encouraging adoptions within their own countries.

To learn more about adoptions, contact our Adoptions From The Heart offices in:

Greensburg, PA (Pittsburgh)
1225 S Main St #207
Greensburg, PA 15601
(724) 853-6533

Philadelphia, PA
30 Hampstead Cir
Wynnewood, PA 19096
(610) 642-7200

Allentown, PA
2212 Union Blvd
Allentown, PA 18109
(610) 432-2384  

Different Types Of Adoption Related Counseling

Placing a child for adoption is never an easy or simple process and as mentioned on AdoptionsFromTheHeart, it's sure to raise many questions. There are many emotional factors as well as legal matters to deal with as the adoption decision is made and throughout the entire process.

There are many different types of adoption-related counseling services  available to help a person who is going through the adoption process, both as the party placing the child up for adoption and the people looking to adopt a child. Get to know more about these potential options so that you can be sure you get the help and support you need if you are looking into adoption as an option.

Options Counseling for Pregnant Woman

One of the types of adoption counseling available is known as options counseling. Options counseling is simply a session with the pregnant woman to discuss her options when it comes to her pregnancy. Abortion, adoption, and keeping the child can be topics of discussion as well as the different types of adoption (i.e. closed adoption, private adoption, and open adoption).

Pre-Adoptive Parent and Family Counseling

A family that will be taking a child into their home through adoption may have their own concerns to work through throughout the process. It is not uncommon for families to seek out pre-adoptive parents counseling and family counseling services to prepare for the changes that will occur when a new family member is added.

Play and Trauma Therapy for Children

If an older child is up for adoption rather than a newborn baby, they may have suffered trauma, have attachment issues, or other relationship problems. As such, they may require play and trauma therapy from an adoption-related counselor. These therapies involve both individual and family therapy sessions with the adoptive family to ensure that proper bonds and relationships are forged.

To learn more about adoptions, contact our Adoptions From The Heart offices in:

Greensburg, PA (Pittsburgh)
1225 S Main St #207
Greensburg, PA 15601
(724) 853-6533

Philadelphia, PA
30 Hampstead Cir
Wynnewood, PA 19096
(610) 642-7200

Allentown, PA
2212 Union Blvd
Allentown, PA 18109
(610) 432-2384  

Eligibility Requirements For Same-Sex Adoptions

If you are in a same-sex relationship and you are interested in adopting a child, it is important to know about any rules or hurdles you might encounter in your quest to become a parent. Knowing the rules and hurdles before you begin the process can make it less confusing and stressful later on.

State Differences In Same-Sex Adoptions

It is estimated that 6 to 14 million children have a gay or lesbian parent since this last decade. Furthermore, 8 to  10 million children are being raised in a gay or lesbian household. Of the 50 states, Mississippi is the only one that previously would not allow same-sex couples to adopt. However, in 2016 a judge declared it to be unconstitutional in light of the state allowing same-sex couples to marry. However, despite these estimates and equality in the adoption system, some states do have some restrictions when it comes to same-sex couples fostering children.

AdoptionsFromTheHeart is one resource that you will find you can turn to where you are treated the same as any other couple wishing to adopt.

State Residency Requirements

Certain states require you to be residents in order to adopt. If you live in Georgia or Illinois and have lived there less than six months, adoption is not permitted. Other states, such as Kentucky, Wyoming, Tennessee, Oregon, Arizona and Minnesota, have similar restrictions in place for couples who wish to adopt a child.

Adoption Considerations

Consider these facts before you begin the process of adopting a child:

In most cases, as a same-sex couple you will have better luck adopting a child within the U.S. than one outside the U.S. Many countries outside of the United States do not allow same-sex couples to adopt. However, in some foreign countries you are permitted to adopt a child.

You have resources available to you such as the Family Equality Council, Child Welfare Information Gateway and the Human Rights Campaign.

To learn more about adoptions, contact our Adoptions From The Heart offices in:

Greensburg, PA (Pittsburgh)
1225 S Main St #207
Greensburg, PA 15601
(724) 853-6533

Philadelphia, PA
30 Hampstead Cir
Wynnewood, PA 19096
(610) 642-7200

Allentown, PA
2212 Union Blvd
Allentown, PA 18109
(610) 432-2384 

What Is An International Adoption Home Study?

When adopting a child, it is normally expected that you will have to undergo a home study as part of the process before you are determined eligible for adopting regardless of what state you live in.Find out more about domestic adoptions and home studies here. However, if you plan to adopt a child from another country, you are required to go through an international home study, but the requirements will differ according to the country you wish to adopt from.

International Adoption Home Study Requirements

If you are adopting from a country that participates in The Hague Adoption Convention, you will need to choose the country before beginning your home study. You must submit your home study to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) via Form I-800A.


Most home studies include:

• In-person interviews and home visit with all adults of household
• Evaluation of physical, emotional and mental capabilities of prospective parents 
• Financial disclosures 
• Description of living conditions 
• Description of counseling given to prospective parents 
• Background check to screen for child abuse, substance abuse, sexual abuse and/or domestic violence for all adult household members 
• Check for previous adoption rejections 
• Criminal history for parents and all adults in household

Additionally, adoptions within Hague Adoption Convention countries require compliance with 8 CFR 204.311, which requires that:

• An approved/accredited adoption service provider conducts an international adoption home study.
• The provider ensures that the study has been performed according to federal and state law. 
• The person performing the study is licensed or authorized in the state where the study occurs. 
• All estimated expenses and fees are disclosed in writing for the home study. 
• A determination as to whether the prospective parents are suitable for adoption.

Upon completion of the home study, a true copy must be to the intended country's Central Authority.

For non-Hague Convention adoptions, the home study can be started and completed before naming your choice country. You will also be able to submit your home study to the USCIS within one year of filing Form I-600A. Depending on the country, there are various requirements according to individual country's laws that may be required with completing the home study.


To learn more about adoptions, contact our Adoptions From The Heart offices in:

Greensburg, PA (Pittsburgh)
1225 S Main St #207
Greensburg, PA 15601
(724) 853-6533

Philadelphia, PA
30 Hampstead Cir
Wynnewood, PA 19096
(610) 642-7200

Allentown, PA
2212 Union Blvd
Allentown, PA 18109
(610) 432-2384

Busting the Top Five Myths Concerning Adoption

If you are thinking of adopting a child for yourself, or just wish to know what's true and what's not about this process, read on to find out the myths and truth about adoption below.

Myth: American babies are unusually hard to find

Reality: Well, out of the roughly 70,000 adoptions done in the U.S. annually, nearly 18,000 of them involve newborn American babies.

Myth: All children adopted from abroad are either traumatized or disabled

Reality: Adopting a healthy toddler or infant from abroad might be getting more difficult, but a majority of the children who are eligible for international adoption only have minor, special needs of correctable nature.

Myth: Adoption can take a really long time

Reality: While this is true in some aspects, there are also instances where the process is not so long. Some families have succeeded in adopting their little ones within just two years of submitting paperwork, with the process taking below a year for some.

Myth: Costs related to adoption oftentimes spiral into thousands of dollars

Reality: Adoption by average costs the same as a mid-sized car, before reimbursements and grants are included. One could in fact complete a foster adoption with only several hundred dollars in the pocket.

 Myth: Only perfect couples stand a chance of adopting American babies

Reality: Just about anyone who displays the ability to bring up children in a responsible way will be granted a child through adoption, regardless of marital status, sexual orientation, profession and ability or disability among other considerations.

For more information about adoption myths and other learning resources, visit AdoptionsFromTheHeart.com

A lot of what people believe about the adoption process is drawn from either what's been floated by the media or personal experience with adopted children while growing up. However, arming yourself with the truth about adoption as outlined above should begin stirring you up to consider adoption.

To learn more about adoptions, contact our Adoptions From The Heart offices in:

Greensburg, PA (Pittsburgh)
1225 S Main St #207
Greensburg, PA 15601
(724) 853-6533

Philadelphia, PA
30 Hampstead Cir
Wynnewood, PA 19096
(610) 642-7200

 Allentown, PA
2212 Union Blvd
Allentown, PA 18109
(610) 432-2384