Adoption is the legal procedure that transfers the rights and responsibilities of parenting a child to the adoptive person or family. Adoption often involves families who are unable to have children of their own, single individuals wanting to have a child, or families that would like to provide a loving home environment to a child in need.
Every year, thousands of children are adopted by families in Oklahoma. The process of adopting a child can be complicated and involve a number of hurdles for families to go through to make sure they will be providing a safe home for the child. Occasionally, the process can be unpredictable, when the birth parent changes their mind in the middle of the process. Hayes Legal Solutions, PLLC is able to help you with the adoption procedure and protect the best interest of you and your family.
Different Types of Adoptions in Oklahoma
There are many types of adoption available in Oklahoma. This includes adoptions through government or non-profit agencies or private adoptions:
- Foster Care adoption
- Agency adoption
- Infant adoption
- Step-parent adoption
- Independent adoption
- International adoption
ADOPTION PROCESS IN OKLAHOMA
The adoption process requires approval by the courts to ensure the child will be placed in a safe environment and the adopting parents understand their responsibility to care for the child. Adoption can take anywhere from a few months in a simple adoption, up to several years waiting for a healthy infant.
- Choose an adoption agency (including public or private licensed adoption agencies)
- Submit an adoption application. This includes providing information about the adopting family and the what the family is looking for in a child to adopt.
- Complete a Pre-Placement Assessment. This involves meetings with a social worker to discuss the responsibilities of adopting a child, attending special classes, and a home visit to assess the family's ability to provide a home for the child.
- Work with a social worker to find the right children available for adoption. This can take some time, depending on the types of children the family is looking to adopt. There may be multiple families interested in adopting an available child.
- Submit the home study to child's agency for consideration. The agency will review your assessment to determine if your family is a potential match with the child.
- Visit with the child. This is the first real opportunity for the child and the family to get to know each other.
- Bring the child home. The child and family will have an adjustment period during this time of transition for the child and the family. Social workers are generally available to provide support during this period.
- Complete the required supervisory period. In most cases, the supervisory period for adopted children in Oklahoma is 6 months; however, the adjustment period could be longer if the social worker determines the family needs additional support and assistance.
- Finalize the legal adoption process through the court. The last step of adoption is the legal court process. This usually involves having an attorney to file the legal documents and go through the adoption legal proceedings.
What Type Of Things Are Looked At In-Home Studies Prior To Adoption?
- Marital and Family History
- Background check on all adults in the house
- Education and Employment background
- Criminal History
- Evaluation of other children in the home
- Why do you want to adopt a child
Hayes Legal Solutions, PLLC Can Help Make Adoptions Go Smoothly
If you are looking to adopt a child in Oklahoma, Hayes Legal Solutions, PLLC is here to assist you. We can help you though the adoption process to avoid any unforeseen complications and make sure your best interest are being served. Contact us today online or at 405-635-5578 and see how we can help your family with the adoption process. If you are ready to schedule a consultation, click below on schedule now.
