Picking the right adoptive parents for your child can be difficult. You want that perfect family that will provide your child with a bright future, but sometimes it is hard to select the “right” family for this monumental task. Remember that the choice of adoptive family is entirely up to you. You alone will decide what type of family you are looking for, what characteristics you wish to see in the adoptive parents, and what factors are most important when choosing between families.
One aspect of adoption that might ease your mind is that every adoptive family in Kansas must undergo a home study approved by a licensed Kansas agency. A home study is all encompassing, investigating nearly every aspect of the prospective adoptive parents. A home study typically includes:
- FBI checks
- Criminal background clearances
- Income verification
- Sexual offender checks
- Counseling
- Home inspection
- References
This means that any prospective parents presented to you through a licensed agency or an adoption attorney have had their background vetted. Accordingly, no family will be a poor choice. With an array of great options, the choice then becomes entirely yours.
It can sometimes help birth parents to make a list of concerns or factors that are important to them. Some common concerns among birth parents include:
- Appearance: It is important for some birth parents that the adoptive parents look similar to their child. If you feel this will be an issue, be as specific as you need to be in searching for couples. You can specify eye color, hair color, skin tone, and height. However, keep in mind that the more specific you are in this category, the fewer your options will be.
- Education: Education is very important to some parents, and selecting an adoptive family that similarly values education can be at the top of a birth parents list. Determine whether you want a family that can provide for higher education and will encourage it. Education minded parents should look for adoptive parents that understand the value and worth of a great education.
- Religion: Having your child raised as part of a particular religion can be tremendously important to some birth parents. If you have a religious affiliation that will impact your adoption decision, make the adoptive agency or adoption attorney aware of this fact so that they can limit your choices accordingly.
- Siblings: For some birth parents, it is important that their child be raised with siblings close in age. Your list of prospective families can easily be narrowed by the number or existence of other children in the household.
The above are just a few concerns and there are many more categories birth parents should consider. It is important that any birth parent, above all else, do what is best for them and the child. Search for a family that you feel fits best with your ideals and will provide your child with the bright future you envision. You need to feel comfortable with your selection of the adoptive parents. It is your decision to make—be confident in it.
McDowell Chartered: Assisting Parents Considering Adoption Across Kansas
The decision to place your child up for adoption is never an easy one. At McDowell Chartered, our Kansas Adoption Attorneys have assisted birth mothers and fathers since 1992 in facilitating the adoption of their child to a loving home. Our years of experience in the adoption industry allow us to easily navigate you through any sort of adoption. We can craft the adoption to meet your desires, including setting up open adoptions. To schedule an initial consultation with one of our seasoned family law attorneys, call us today at (316) 633-4322.