Adoption Tips to Reduce Adoption Risks!

(link to article here)

Educate yourself on facilitators that "piggyback" (facilitators that network and don't necessarily screen or have their own expectant mothers).They are the ones that you will see advertising or "dangling" leads on the Internet. Beware of anyone "dangling" leads in front of you or an adoption professional referring to the baby as "your baby".Sometimes attorneys and agencies will do this as well. Although these situations will tug at your heartstrings it is best to find another avenue. If you get a promise of a quick adoption, beware there is no quick trip to the "Baby Store".

Make sure that the adoption professional you are working with does thorough expectant mother screenings. All expectant mothers should be offered and receive appropriate counseling. Don't be afraid to ask questions and request proof of pregnancy. A few "red flags" to watch for would be professionals who avoid answering any of your questions, someone that refuses to contact your attorney, or someone that doesn't return your phone calls promptly. Beware if there seems to always be a reason for not sending you specific information or they are surprised that you have not received the information.

If adoptive parents are presented with an expectant mother and an adoption professional is requiring money up front, pushing for an answer in a short time period, or threatening that you will lose the match, slow down and think with your head and not your heart. Why would the adoption professional be so pushy when there are many prospective adoptive parents seeking to adopt?

Adoptive parents and expectant moms should contact their local or state RESOLVE Chapters for referrals on adoption professionals. Once prospective adoptive parents and even expectant mothers have narrowed the field down to a few adoption professionals they need to investigate thoroughly, even upon doing this there may be no guarantees.

Check for complaints with the State Attorneys General's office, the state licensing agency, local police departments, Internet sites and the Better Business Bureau (I don't put a lot of stock into the BBB. Beware if the BBB has an automated system all the scam artist has to do is to change their phone number to get the system to eliminate negative reports) Ask lots of questions!

Do a background check on the business and avoid businesses that have flashy marketing materials or advertise in the yellow pages. Even a well-created Internet site can be misleading. A reputable adoption professional does NOT need to seek out clients.

Check out your state laws regarding adoption and the laws of the state you are adopting from. The laws in each state vary and it is often difficult to find your way through the maze. Some states do not allow facilitation services. Some states do not allow private adoptions. And some states put the baby into foster care for a time.

Educate yourself. Read books, watch videos, attend seminars and support groups. Join various Internet egroups or check message boards on the Internet for any positive or negative reports. Network with other adoptive parents, expectant parents or birth parents. Keep reading! Educate yourself in the laws.....educate...educate..educate!

Expectant moms have the right to change their minds and not proceed with an adoption plan. Ethical adoptive parents only want what is best for the expectant mom as well as the child. Open adoptions, counseling by an independant party can thoroughly explore an adoption plan. No expectant mom should be coerced, bribed or or made promises of monetary means.

Validate all information. Documents and pictures all can be forged!