Answers to Questions Frequently Asked by Adoptive Parents...
How long is the waiting period to adopt?
The typical wait in our prospective parent pool is nine to twelve months.
How large is the prospective parent pool?
It ranges in size from 40 to 60 families.
How many children does OA&FS place each year?
We place more domestic infants than any other adoption agency in Oregon and Washington. We place an average of 40 to 60 children per year. In the fiscal year 2007-2008, we placed 56.
How many placements are infants?
Last year, 98% of placements were newborns.
What are your restrictions?
We place no restrictions (age, religion, marital status, residency, etc.) on adoptive parents. Those interested in adopting must meet the minimum requirements for the states of Oregon and Washington and participate in a careful screening process with our agency. Adoptive parents from throughout the country have adopted through OA&FS. Note that the legal restrictions of some states (New York, for example) prohibit residents from working with an out-of-state agency. Please contact us at 1-800-772-1115 for details.
How do birthmothers find Open Adoption & Family Services?
Most birthmothers are referred to us by other professionals. Many birthmothers find us in the yellow pages. We are contacted by an average of 23 birthmothers per month. Options counseling is available to them at no charge. Approximately 20% of the women who contact us complete an adoption through our agency. (Nationally, only about 3% of all unplanned pregnancies result in adoption.)
Is open adoption co-parenting?
No. The adoptive parents are the legal and emotional parents. Openness does not detract from the permanency of parenting. Rather, it establishes an atmosphere of candor in which the ongoing needs of all parties are honored.
Who are our birthparents?
Birthparents who plan adoptions through OA&FS vary in age and background, but most have long-term plans for their lives and all care deeply about the welfare of their children. A tremendous amount of love and foresight goes into their decisions.
What is an open adoption?
Birthparents choose the adoptive family that they want to raise their child. Together the adoptive family and the birthparents create a legally enforceable, individualized plan for ongoing visits and the exchange of photos, letters, etc. Adoptive parents can call OA&FS for help and guidance, or to oversee the open adoption in the future if circumstances change or problems arise.
How is the adoptive family chosen?
Birthparents select several adoptive families from our prospective parents book. Further review of those families' homestudies and autobiographies help birthparents narrow their choice. OA&FS does not use an adoptive parent waiting list.
How much does adoption cost?
Our fees continue to be among the least expensive of all agencies in Oregon and Washington. Total adoption expenses are determined by the adoptive parents' state of residency, costs associated with the birthmother's pregnancy, and legal fees. Fees will be explained in detail at one of our free introductory meetings.
What's the next step?
Free open adoption information meetings are held on a regular basis.
Call Open Adoption & Family Services at 1-800-772-1115 to find out when the next meeting is scheduled in your area.