The Daily Dose
Seven things to consider when adopting a child
Adoption can be an exciting time in a family’s life. It can be full of joy and anticipation, but it also comes with its share of questions and concerns.
It’s important for those exploring or pursuing adoption to understand what types of questions to ask, what to look for in adoption agencies (if you choose to use one), and what to expect. The adoption process is different for every family, but there are some things everyone should consider when adding a new member to the family.
Adoption agency vs. navigating adoption on your own
Adoption agencies are there to help you through the process. But make sure to explore the agency’s policies to see if they’d be a good fit for your family. Check the laws within your state since some agencies will not allow adoption for single parent households or LGBTQ+ couples. These are things you’ll want to investigate before deciding on an agency.
If you’ll be navigating on your own, it’s important to find legal representation from a lawyer familiar with adoption laws in both your state and the state you will be adopting from (if different), as adoption laws can vary from state to state.
Timeline
It’s important to have realistic expectations and become knowledgeable about what a typical adoption looks like. Know that it can be lengthy, with initial placements often taking 6-18 months. There are often many steps like interviews, psychological evaluations, home visits, etc. that can sometimes extend the process.
Questions to ask yourself
1. What age range am I open to adopt?
This will narrow or expand your search. Look early on for a pediatrician so that when a child is placed with you, you have a provider willing to take them as a new patient.
2. Would I like an open/semi-open or closed adoption?
A closed adoption is when the adoptive family and the birth parents share little to no contact with one another. If you’re considering an open/semi open adoption, ask yourself what does your ideal relationship with the birth parent(s) look like?
3. What (if any) potential level of drug or alcohol exposure am I willing to accept a birth mother may have had during pregnancy?
4. What (if any) openness do I have to adopting a child with special needs?
5. Have I researched the financial contribution?
Adoption can carry financial considerations, with the average cost in the U.S. averaging around $50,000.
Adoption is a major life decision and having support throughout can be beneficial. CDPHP® has teamed up with Ovia Health to provide CDPHP members with access to the Ovia Health apps at no cost.*
The Ovia Care Team, comprised of coaches representing various backgrounds and specialties, is available to provide 1 on 1 personalized support from the beginning of your adoption process to the finish. This includes all the way through parenting! The Ovia Care Team can be accessed by messaging a coach within the Ovia app. They can then provide information about things like sleep, infant feeding, growth and development, mental health, and basic support with your journey.
The Ovia app also has great information and educational articles regarding adoption that can be accessed on demand or provided to users on a daily basis.
Adoption is a major life decision and can come with challenges along the way. It’s important to take care of yourself during this time and lean on your support system, such as Ovia Health.
To gain access to adoption support from Ovia Health, download the Ovia app from your App Store or Google Play Store.
*Participation in these services is dependent on plan type and may not apply for self-funded plan members. Please check your member contract or call the number on your ID card to see if you’re eligible.
Tamika Simpson About the Author
Tamika Simpson, PsyD, MPH, PMH-C, IBCLC, CHES Tamika has a doctorate in clinical psychology and has a Master’s degree in public health. She is also a board-certified lactation consultant, certified health education specialist as well as a perinatal mental health specialist. She manages the Ovia Care Advocate team. Tamika started her career working in reproductive health education at Planned Parenthood for 8 years, before moving into the field of lactation and mental health. She managed a WIC program for 4 years before coming onboard to Ovia and offering support in lactation, mental health, and benefits navigation. She is also a mother of 3 boys ages 14, 9, and 5, all of which were breastfed.
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