The Steps for Prospective Adoptive Parents
- Adoption Information Meeting: This introductory meeting is free of charge and includes an overview of the agency’s process and philosophy. Meetings are held in Portland, Seattle and Eugene.
- Pre-adoption Seminar: This 12-hour workshop takes an intensive look at the issues involved in an open adoption. A panel of birthparents and adoptive parents share their adoption stories, and an adoption attorney discusses legal issues. A variety of OA&FS staff members will present a comprehensive review of the steps and dynamics in open adoption.
- Forms Packet: Before prospective adoptive parents proceed with the agency process, a packet of application forms must be completed.
- Application and Intake Interview: This interview is an opportunity for prospective adoptive parents to ask further questions and for counselors to learn more about the clients’ circumstances and adoption vision.
- Family Preparation and Homestudy Process: The prospective adoptive parents’ counselor writes the homestudy report. It is based on information gathered from two visits to the family’s home, plus individual meetings with each client. OA&FS homestudies are uniquely designed as a tool for birthparents selecting an adoptive family. Prospective adoptive parents also create a Family Profile, which includes a “Dear Birthparent” letter, autobiographies, photo collage, and other documents.
- Pool Entry: Upon completion of the Family Profile, prospective adoptive parents enter a pool of waiting families. OA&FS does the marketing, advertising and outreach on your behalf.
Every year OA&FS reaches more than 3,000 professional contacts (hospitals, clinics, schools, and social service agencies) working with prospective birthparents. As a result of these efforts, between 250 and 300 birthparents contact us annually. Birthparents choose an adoptive family after reviewing “Dear Birthparent” letters and Family Profiles. Adoptive parents wait an average of 9 to 12 months once they enter the pool. - Adoption Mediation: When adoptive parents are selected by a birthparent, they enter mediation. During this phase, the OA&FS counselor provides counseling and guidance for building the adoption relationship. The counselor assists in creating a birthplan; ensures the procedural and logistical details of the adoption plan are in place; and mediates an open adoption agreement outlining future communication and contact.
- Placement: OA&FS provides guidance and support to all parties during the hospital stay. This includes facilitating the placement and entrustment ceremony, as well as taking birthparent relinquishments.
- Post-placement: OA&FS will provide the post-placement supervision necessary to finalize your adoption. By providing unlimited counseling and mediation services to birthparents and adoptive parents, the agency provides ongoing support and assistance for those navigating open adoptions. All prospective adoptive parents are encouraged to participate in OA&FS’ open adoption community events.
- Finalization:In all Oregon and Washington adoptions, an attorney must complete the finalization process. Attorneys typically charge $600 to $1,200 for this service.
The premier northwest adoption agency completing the most domestic, infant adoptions in Oregon and Washington.
5200 SW Macadam Avenue,
Suite 250
Portland, Oregon 97239
315 West 10th Ave.
Eugene, OR 97401
200 West Mercer Street,
Suite E-508
Seattle, WA 98119
| Oregon: | ||
|---|---|---|
| Portland, OR: | Phone: (503) 226-4870 | Fax: (503) 226-4891 |
| Eugene, OR: | Phone: (541) 343-4825 | Fax: (541) 431-1241 |
| Medford, OR: | Phone: (541) 608-6134 | Fax: (541) 282-8564 |
| Bend, OR: | Phone: (541) 388-2535 | |
| Salem, OR: | Phone: (503) 540-5832 | |
| Washington: | ||
| Seattle, WA: | Phone: (206) 782-0442 | Fax: (206) 782-0578 |
| Vancouver, WA: | Phone: (360) 254-7236 | |
| Olympia, WA: | Phone: (360) 352-3063 | |
