I pride myself on being pretty resourceful and able to hold my own, even with the toughest of challenges. Just this month I have fixed the mower, replaced a window, and cut down multiple trees surrounding our new home. When our central air went out on a 90-degree day, I set out to figure out the issue and save my family thousands. I Googled and looked on Youtube for hours before trying about ten different things to fix the issue. Nothing worked. My house was up to about 85 degrees as my kids were staging a coup. It was then I realized I was in over my head. I needed some experts to help me out.
Some things just require professionals to make sure that they are done correctly, safely, efficiently, and with little fear of setbacks in the future. While adoption may seem like something one can achieve through court paperwork, there are many cooks in the adoption kitchen. Legally, adoption will require the intervention and facilitation of many adoption experts to ensure an adoption process is navigated with professionalism and excellence. There are three types of adoption experts who play a vital role in the adoption process.
Agencies
One of the first things any prospective adoptive parent will do is find an adoption agency to help facilitate their adoption. An adoption agency is needed in almost every adoption to ensure that the process is handled professionally and in accordance with both federal, state, and, if applicable, international adoption laws. Adoption agencies are also utilized by birth parents to legally place their child with a family and to ensure they receive the social services necessary to support the pregnancy and their adoption plan. An adoption agency will have the most expertise on the adoption process and is invaluable to both prospective and birth parents.
Social Workers
Depending on the type of adoption someone is pursuing, social workers may play many different roles. For foster care adoption, the social worker will handle most of the adoption process including considerations for the well being of the child. In any adoption, social workers facilitate the necessary steps in the adoption process such as the home study and education for prospective adoptive parents. In most states, social workers also perform post-placement visits for a new adoptive family to ensure the child is being cared for and there are no additional services needed. Social workers are at the heart of the adoption process and are the main common component that will be found in every adoption. Adoption cannot be achieved legally without the important work of these adoption experts.
Attorneys
Adoption attorneys are involved in every adoption case; however, some may be through an agency or organization. However, many choose to hire an adoption attorney in addition to their agency or in many cases of kinship adoption. Some may also choose to use just an adoption attorney in cases of independent adoption, though they would still need to use an agency or licensed social worker to complete their home study. Adoption attorneys provide that extra reassurance that the law is being followed closely in adoption proceedings. They are able to facilitate the legal process but also represent you if you find yourself in an uncomfortable or unfamiliar position. Adoption attorneys will also be available to represent the best interest of a birth parent. Some states require that the adoptive parents pay for legal representation for the birth parent. With the many twists and turns that adoption can bring, adoption attorneys are incredibly helpful to navigate all the red tape.
Adoption experts are important because adoption is one of the most important endeavors you will ever take in your entire life. There is no room for error. You will need those in your corner who have done this before, many times, as well as those who have an extensive knowledge of the adoption process. The most important aspect of your adoption will be making sure that it is carried out efficiently and legally. Adoption experts ensure that abundant care is taken to make sure every “t” is crossed and every “i” dotted.
