How can I adopt a child in California?

The process of adoption is fairly common in the state of California. For many families, it is a rewarding experience that benefits both adoptive parents and children. If you think that adopting a child is easy as it may sound, you would be wrong because the adoption process comes with certain challenges. These challenges depend upon the case, the adoption type you choose and other requirements.

The California adoption process depends upon the type of adoption that is preferred. Adoption is a family law issue, so adoptive parents should pay special attention to all of the factors and other issues associated with it. Prospective parents can choose to adopt a child through either a private or public agency. It is important to remember that adoption agencies must be regulated and licensed by the state. Public agencies usually work with children who don’t have parents or were abused. Private agencies are usually operated by a charity or a social service organization.

If you do not want to consult with adoption agencies, you can do it independently. This means that the adoptive parents communicate directly with the birth parents of the child without the involvement of any agencies. However, adoptive parents should know that this option is highly regulated by the state. There are also some prospective adoptive parents who prefer to adopt through the process of identification. Adopting through identification usually takes place with the help of an agency where the adoptive parents seek a mother who wants to put her child up for adoption. After this, the birth mother and adoptive parents will let the agency handle the next steps in the process. This process is sometimes recommended because it allows adoptive parents to have more control over which child they want to bring into their family.

Whether you choose domestic adoption, independent adoption or adopt a child through an agency, you should be mindful of the state laws that regulate the adoption process. Having the proper knowledge regarding the process may also help you avoid conflicts in the future.

Source: California Findlaw, “California Adoption: Overview of the Law” Accessed Sept. 11, 2014