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For Adoptive Parents and Birthparents |
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What is FCA?
FCA (Family & Children's Agency, Inc.) is a private non-profit family service agency with over 60 years of experience serving the diverse needs of families in such areas as individual and family counseling, care for the elderly, and adoption. We are a private agency governed by a Board of Directors and licensed by the State Department of Health and the Department of Children and Families to have our headquarters in Connecticut and place children throughout the United States.
What is The Adoption Center?
The Adoption Center at FCA provides pre-adoption counseling, homestudies, and placement of children born in the U.S. and abroad. We also provide post-placement assistance and ongoing services to adoptive families. Fees are based on the services utilized on a pay-as-you-go basis. The Adoption Center has offices in Norwalk, Hartford and Larchmont, NY.
What options are there for adoptive parents working with The Adoption Center?
Once you have your homestudy, you can adopt in the US or overseas. We place infants born in the United States through our Domestic (Agency Placement) and "Parent Initiated" Adoption programs. Many young women seek us out or are referred to us for possible adoptive placement. In "Parent Initiated" Adoption the adoptive couple locates a potential birthmother and infant through advertising and networking. We have placement programs for children from Korea, China, Taiwan, Russia and Ukraine. We can prepare homestudies for adoption in various other countries. We are also highly experienced in placing children with special needs such as physical conditions amenable to treatment.
Is there a waiting list for U.S. adoption?
No. Selections are not made from a chronological waiting list. Homestudies begin within a month of application and become active as soon as they are completed. The birthmother, not the agency, selects the couple to adopt her baby by reviewing the profile of the couple. There are usually about 20 couples in the adoption "pool" at any one time. Most couples seeking U.S. placements have a placement within two years, and often much sooner. We assist you in preparing an appropriate profile to tell the birthmother about yourselves.
Is there a long wait for International Adoptions?
No. Homestudies are sent to Korea each week, and usually result in a referral in six months. Russian referrals also begin almost as soon as documentation is complete. The wait for a referral from China is approximately 6 months from the time the homestudy goes to China, Taiwan 5 to 8 months and Ukraine 3 to 6 months.
How old are the children that are adopted through FCA?
In doing a "Parent Initiated" Adoption, you will be locating a birthmother and adopting a newborn. If a birthmother chooses you through our Domestic program, the child will be a newborn. We do not maintain long-term foster homes for children and, therefore, in the United States we generally are placing young infants. The majority of our United States children are Caucasian and about 10% are bi-racial. Our International programs have children of both sexes. The ages of children from Russia at referral ranges from 9 months up to school age. Infant boys and girls, toddlers, special needs and sibling groups are available from Taiwan. China places mostly girls, generally from 6 to 12 months, although older children are available, as well as special needs children. Children from Ukraine are typically 14 to 3 years old at adoption.
What is FCA's experience in adoption?
We are one of the largest agencies in Connecticut. We have been doing International and U.S. adoptions for many years. Members of our staff were instrumental in framing the Connecticut Identified Adoption law and have served on the Executive Board of the Connecticut Council on Adoption. We have many contacts throughout the United States to assist us in interstate adoptions. We have placed nearly 2,000 children from Korea since the program began in 1982. We have developed specialized programs for adoption in China, Russia, Taiwan and Ukraine with our own translators and bi-lingual coordinators who are in frequent contact with the foreign official.
How much does adoption cost?
The homestudy cost is $1,500. All other costs vary according not only to the agency program, but also the auxiliary costs. When budgeting for adoption, it's important to be aware of related expenses, such as immigration documents, travel, medical evaluations, translations, long distance calls, possible attorney fees, and perhaps living expenses while at your out-of-state or foreign destination. The placement fee is paid to the U.S. agency that places the child with you. This may be FCA or an out-of-state agency, but never both. If you reside outside Connecticut or New York your homestudy fee will be set by your local agency.
Are there age limits?
Most foreign countries have age limits. FCA does not have any age limit for adopting in the United States. Couples and single parents of reasonable child bearing age are able to apply. Applicants should keep in mind that the birthparents' preferences may vary.
What are "Closed" and "Open" Adoptions?
A "closed" adoption is one that has no direct contact or exchange of information between the birthparents and the adoptive family.
An "open" adoption is one where the names and identifying information of birthparents and adoptive families are disclosed to the other and there is direct contact between the two parties that generally continues after the birth and placement. The terms of the relationship are determined by the participants.
Seldom is an adoption either fully "open" or fully "closed"; most fall somewhere between the two. Some involve limited contact, either in person or by phone, exchange of photographs following placement, etc. There is no "right" adoption plan that meets the needs of all birthparents and adoptive families. FCA's goal is to create the plan that works best for all parties involved in each adoption. We encourage both birthparents and adoptive parents to be active participants in the process.
Does FCA have a policy requiring "Open" or "Closed" adoption?
Not necessarily. The couple and the birthmother decide mutually on the amount of contact they want to have. Some relationships are quite open, and others have little or not contact. Generally we encourage and support one meeting, usually in our office, but it is not mandatory. FCA can coordinate the adoption planning with a local agency the birth parents' state if they do not reside in Connecticut or New York.
I do not reside in New York or Connecticut. How do FCA and my local agency work together to obtain a child for me?
Your local agency will prepare your homestudy according to the laws of your state. Your FCA social worker will be in frequent contact with you regarding other documents that are required. FCA will secure a referral for you and forward it to you and your agency.
What is the first step?
The first step is to begin a homestudy. All prospective adoptive parents must have an approved homestudy. A homestudy is a supportive and educational process composed of individual and group sessions with the social worker who is helping you with your adoption. Most homestudies are completed in four to six weeks and consist of at least 1 appointment at the agency and one in your home.
If you reside outside Connecticut or New York, the homestudy must be completed by a licensed adoption agency in the state in which you have residence.
When I accept a referral, how do we proceed?
FCA will notify the adoption authority of the country that you accept and we will then co-ordinate the travel plans.
I understand most countries want post-adoption updates on the child for a year or so. I reside outside of Connecticut/New York. How do I obtain them?
If you reside out of Connecticut/New York, your homestudy agency will arrange to visit you and will send the child's information to FCA. We will forward it to the country of adoption.
What is FCA's philosophy of adoption?
Family & Children's Agency believes in a caring approach that is concerned with the needs of all parties involved. Our social workers work in a team effort to balance and protect the rights of all the parties involved. We view adoption as a lifelong process that deserves the agency's and the parent's commitment to the common goal of doing what is best for everyone. |
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If you are pregnant and wondering about adoption as one of your options, the pregnancy counselors at FCA can arrange to meet with you at a time and place convenient for you. It really helps to have someone to talk to who can help you think about all your choices without feeling pressured to make any specific decision.
In addition to knowing many resources that you may want to consider, it should help you to know that the counselors are experts in adoption - the more up-to-date kind of adoption where YOU make the decisions. These are the questions most women have asked us.
What is FCA (Family and Children's Agency)?
FCA is a private, non-profit family service agency with sixty years of experience in serving the needs of individuals and families in such areas as personal counseling, adoption, and care for the elderly. The staff is composed of social workers that are specialists in helping all kinds of people deal with all kinds of problems. We provide services to birth-parents considering adoption, couples or singles seeking to adopt, and supportive counseling for families formed by adoption. Our families have adopted Caucasian, African-American, Latino and Asian children.
How can FCA help me?
First of all, it helps to talk to someone who will be neutral, sympathetic and informative. A pregnancy counselor who has had a lot of experience will sit down with you and go over all your options. There is no charge for this kind of counseling. She may help you find some resources or support that you had not thought of. Coming to FCA does not mean you have to plan an adoption. We want you to take the time to find the best solution for your own situation. If you do decide to make an adoption plan, we will help you obtain the resources you need, such as housing, medical care and financial assistance. However, the choices are always yours. You do not need to commit to an adoption plan to make use of FCA's counseling services. You can count on your pregnancy counselor to explain everything about adoption clearly.
Can I choose the adoptive couple?
Absolutely. Besides having the choice of deciding that you may want to raise the baby yourself, you also have the choice of deciding on the kind of adoptive family that feels right to you. You will want to consider their lifestyle, age, race, religion, personalities, interests, and whether there are other children in the family. You can decide whether you want to meet them and how much information you want to share.
Some pregnant women who come to FCA have already made a connection to a family with whom they want to place the baby. In that case, we will help make that adoption happen safely and legally.
Whatever you decide during the pregnancy, you are in charge of the decision from beginning to end.
As a birthparent, can I specify what I want in an adoptive family for my baby?
Yes. FCA's birthparent counselors will work with you to help you specify preferences with regard to the religion of the adoptive family; the number of other children in the family; childcare arrangements; geographic location; and contact, if any, between you and the adoptive family. We will then work to find a match with an adoptive family.
What are "Closed" and "Open" Adoptions?
A "closed" adoption is one that has no direct contact or exchange of information between the birthparents and the adoptive family.
An "open" adoption is one where the names and identifying information of birthparents and adoptive families are disclosed to the other and there is direct contact between the two parties that generally continues after the birth and placement. The terms of the relationship are determined by the participants.
Seldom is an adoption either fully "open" or fully "closed"; most fall somewhere between the two. Some involve limited contact, either in person or by phone, exchange of photographs following placement, etc. There is no "right" adoption plan that meets the needs of all birthparents and adoptive families. FCA's goal is to create the plan that works best for all parties involved in each adoption. We encourage both birthparents and adoptive parents to be active participants in the process.
How will my medical care be paid?
If you have insurance or are entitled to a government subsidy, we will help you make those arrangements. That way your bills are covered whether you decide to place the baby in adoption or not. If you do not have your own medical resources and adoption is your plan, the agency can pay the obstetrical and hospital costs.
What about housing?
According to Connecticut law, the adopting couple, through the agency, can provide some financial help.
What happens at the hospital?
If you like, we will let the hospital know you are considering adoption. That way the hospital social workers and nurses can work out what would be the most comfortable plan for you regarding seeing and holding the baby, having visitors, etc. You may, after giving birth, decide that you don't want to place the baby for adoption. In any case, your birthparent counselor will come to see you and help you sort out your plans and your feelings.
What happens when I'm ready to leave the hospital?
Again, remember that you have choices. You may want some more time to think about your decision. You may decide to have the baby stay with one of our nannies until you are absolutely certain that you are ready to relinquish your parental rights. Or, if you and the adoptive parents are really clear on your decision, you may want to place the baby with them from the hospital.
What are my legal rights?
The baby remains legally yours until the papers you have signed are reviewed by a judge in Probate Court. This can take six to eight weeks. Your parental rights are not terminated until the day you have an appointment to meet privately with the Probate Court judge in his office. Your birthparent counselor will go with you and, of course, you can have anyone else you want to come with you as well. Lawyers are not needed for this process, but if you or your family would be more comfortable, you could, of course, have legal representations.
Does the birthfather need to be contacted?
The adoption agencies and the judges are very concerned about this matter, as it affects your baby's future. Also, the law clearly requires that the birthfather be notified of your plan to place the child. His rights must be terminated. It is very important for a child to have as much genetic information on both parents as possible.
We understand that your relationship with the birthfather may be very sensitive, and we will help you with this. This is a complex issue and we can answer your concerns about this.
Who else do I have to tell?
All our adoption work is absolutely confidential. You may decide for yourself who you want to tell. However, if you are under 18, we must talk with your parents. In all other cases we will respect your wishes. We are always available to talk when you need some support.
Can I ever know how my baby is doing?
Coming to terms with your feelings about adoption is an important personal process. You may want to continue counseling with your birthparent counselor for a while. You may want to receive a letter and picture of the baby from time to time. Most birthparents find that to be reassuring, and most adoptive parents are comfortable and happy to let you know that the plan you made for your child is successful. They are happy to work through the agency in keeping in touch with you. As time passes, your feelings about keeping in touch may change, and so we encourage you to be in contact with us and keep us advised of your address. You may want to put notes and pictures in the baby's file for the future. In any case, you may see your counselor whenever you feel the need to talk about these feelings.
What is FCA's philosophy of adoption?
At FCA, we believe in a caring approach that is concerned with the needs of all parties involved. Our social workers work in a team effort to balance and protect the rights of the birthparents, the adoptive parents, and the child. We view adoption as a lifelong process that deserves our commitment to the goal of helping our clients find the solutions and support they need. |
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