I have fielded many questions from adopting parents regarding the procedures to obtain a passport for their adopted child (U.S.-born only) when they are in the process of adopting or shortly after their adoption has been “finalized” but prior to receiving the child’s amended birth certificate. The good news is that prospective adoptive parents can …Read More about How to Obtain a Passport for the Child…
In 2007, the National Survey of Adopted Parents (NSAP) published a nationally representative survey measuring a variety of attributes related to adoption and adopted children in the United States. The study focused on the personality characteristics of adopted children, general adoption experiences, and the well-being of adopted children and their families. Overall, the study found …Read More about Study of Adopted Children Shows They Thrive
Studies show that healthy and positive sibling relationships lead to many benefits that help children develop and mature in unique and important ways. These benefits include, increased ability to make and maintain friendships, increased ability to get along with people from different backgrounds, increased ability to comfort and help others, and increased emotional awareness. In …Read More about Positive Effects of Sibling Relationships Remain Strong Between…
Adoptive parents can be reassured that under federal and California law, their health insurance plan must treat an adoptive child the same as a “natural” child and must provide coverage at the time the adoptive child is legally placed in their custody prior to finalization of the adoption. Section 609(c) of the Employee Retirement Income …Read More about Federal And State Law Require Health Care Insurers…
In order to obtain a Social Security number for your adopted child, your adoption must be finalized and the court must sign a final order of adoption or adoption decree. If the adoption is finalized in California, the final order is called an Adoption Order. The Social Security office requires you to bring proof of …Read More about How to obtain Social Security Card
The federal Indian Child Welfare Act (“ICWA”) is an important law that needs to be considered and evaluated in every domestic adoption. The ICWA was passed by the United States Congress more than 30 years ago and is codified in 25 U.S.C. 1901 et seq. California codified ICWA in its Family Code and Welfare and …Read More about What You Should Know About The Federal “Indian…
Hello. My name is Josephine. I am a birth mother and I recently placed my baby for adoption. When I found out I was four months pregnant, I was devastated. This news was not good news in my situation. I became instantly confused, angry and scared. I kept repeating to myself, “Why me? How could …Read More about I am a birth mother and I recently…
Not so long ago, I sat in your exact situation, I was scared and confused and not quite sure of what my future held. I am going to tell my story, so maybe I can help you in your process. Know that you aren’t alone in this journey! My experience at AdoptHelp and with adoption …Read More about Not so long ago, I sat in your…
It is four weeks ago today that my son was born and it is with a great deal of peace and relief that I write this letter to you. How lucky are we to be in America, in the 21st century, where an option like this even exists? Well, I can tell you that eight …Read More about It is four weeks ago today that my…
Hello let me start off by introducing myself; my name is Karen, I am 20 years old and I placed my new born for adoption. For me going through with this adoption was probably the hardest thing I had to do in my life. The reason for this was because I have always dreamed about …Read More about I am 20 years old and I placed…
To all you birth mothers who are having second thoughts, take it from me sometimes it is the best thing to do. Don’t think of it as giving your child away, see it as giving your child a new life and a chance to be somebody in life. I am a 30 year old mother …Read More about To all you birth mothers who are having…
Hi. My name is Stacey. I recently had a baby girl Addison Grace, named by her parents. When I first found out I was pregnant I didn’t know what I was going to do. I was living in a homeless shelter and was just about to start my college courses. I had no money saved …Read More about When I first found out I was pregnant…