How to Adopt Through Us
The Steps for Prospective Adoptive Parents
Adoption Information Meeting
If you’d like to learn more about our philosophy and hear an overview of the agency’s process, please contact Open Adoption & Family Services (OA&FS) to attend an optional, no-cost Adoption Information Meeting: 1-800-772-1115 or information@openadopt.org.
1. Pre-Adoption Seminar
To complete an adoption through OA&FS, the first step is to attend our required Pre-Adoption Seminar. Insights you gain in the seminar will be invaluable as you plan your adoption. The 12-hour workshop guides prospective adoptive parents in an exploration of the emotional, procedural and legal issues involved in planning an open adoption.
In the seminar, OA&FS staff members discuss the dynamics of an open adoption and each step towards completing an adoption through our agency. A guest panel of birthparents and adoptive parents share their adoption stories and answer questions. An adoption attorney discusses legal issues. This seminar satisfies Oregon’s requirement for pre-adoption training.
Please call the office nearest you to obtain fee information and to register for a seminar.
2. Application and Intake Interview
After you complete the necessary application forms, the agency will schedule an Intake Interview in which you’ll meet your OA&FS counselor. The interview provides you the opportunity to ask further questions as your counselor learns more about your unique circumstances and adoption vision.
3. Homestudy and Family Preparation
As part of your Family Profile, your OA&FS counselor will write a homestudy report based on information gathered during interviews in your home and at the OA&FS office near you. Our unique and descriptively written homestudy reports are read by pregnant women/couples when selecting an adoptive family. Your OA&FS counselor will also help you create a Family Introduction Letter, autobiographies and a photo collage to include in your Family Profile.
4. Pool Entry
When your Family Profile is complete, you enter into our pool of waiting families. Each year, between 250 and 300 pregnant women/couples contact OA&FS to request free options counseling. Those that choose adoption select an adoptive family after reviewing Family Profiles. Adoptive parents wait an average of 9 to 12 months once they enter the pool.
5. Adoption Planning
When a pregnant woman or couple selects you, OA&FS schedules an introductory meeting. After meeting, both parties decide whether to proceed into Adoption Planning. During adoption planning, you will receive support and guidance as you begin building your open adoption relationship. Your counselor will also ensure the procedural and logistical details of the adoption plan are in place, help you create a birthplan and assist you in creating an open adoption agreement outlining future communication and contact.
6. Placement
During the hospital stay, OA&FS provides guidance and support to all parties. We facilitate the placement and entrustment ceremony, and accept birthparent relinquishments. After placement, you and your child’s birthparents will have access to lifelong support through unlimited counseling and guidance from OA&FS.
7. Finalization
State laws require an attorney to finalize all adoptions completed in Oregon and Washington. Attorneys typically charge $600 to $1,200 for this service.
For a current information packet and fee schedule, please contact us at 1-800-772-1115 or information@openadopt.org.