You have made the decision to do an adoption plan, now what? If you search online for “adoption agencies near me,” you will see lots of ads for adoption and you may get the impression that these businesses are state licensed, full-service adoption agencies. But are they? Many are adoption intermediaries, sometimes called facilitators, who are unlicensed, unregulated and illegal in Colorado. Every state has it’s own adoption laws and Colorado is an agency state which simply means you must use a state licensed agency to do a legal adoption in Colorado.
If you are interested in private adoption and live in Colorado, it is critical, to protect yourself and your child by using a Colorado state licensed, full service adoption agency. Licensed agencies provide counseling and support during pregnancy, the ability to select a licensed, studied adoptive family, plans for future contact with your child should you desire open adoption and all legal paperwork to ensure the validity of the adoption in Colorado. You are typically assigned to a case worker who will walk beside you during your adoption journey and ensure that all laws, rules and regulations are followed to protect you and your child.
But how would I know the difference? Consider asking the following questions when you contact an agency:
1-Is your organization licensed in the state of Colorado and what is that license number?
2-What services does your organization offer other than matching me with an adoptive family?
3-What kind of support will I personally receive from your agency?
4-How can I be assured that open adoption will be accepted by the adoptive family?
5-Once I select a family, will I need to be transferred to another organization to make certain all the legal paperwork is done, and the adoption is finalized? ( you should be able to do everything with your Colorado agency)
6-Once the baby is born and placed with the selected adoptive family, will your agency provide the face-to-face counseling required before and after placement?
These questions should be easily answered and explained by a state licensing agency. Do your research and talk to several agencies to be comfortable with your final choice.
At Adoption Dreams Come True we want you to make the decision that is best for you and your child and will support whatever choice you make. This is a critical decision process that requires compassion, kindness and accurate information in a non-judgmental environment.
NOT FROM COLORADO?
If you are from another state:
If you are from another state and interested in doing an adoption in Colorado, we would help you get the counseling you need to meet our requirements through an agency in the state where you reside. You could choose a family in Colorado, but we would work with your state for your relinquishments. You cannot come to Colorado just to deliver your baby as there are rules that have been established by the ICPC Interstate Compact. ( We will write another blog explaining ICPC)
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