Many Michigan families find it highly rewarding to adopt children who need loving homes. If you’ve been considering expanding your family, you might want to consider it. These are the different types of adoption arrangements.
Agency adoption
One of the most common ways to adopt is through a public or private agency. You can adopt a child who is a ward of the state through a public agency or through a private one where the parents voluntarily put the child up for adoption. Many children who are adopted through public agencies are orphaned, abandoned or abused.
Independent adoption
Independent adoption often occurs through an arrangement between the birth mother and adoptive parents. Sometimes, a third party is involved such as a clergy member or doctor. These arrangements are often complex, so professional help is often necessary to ensure that the process is handled properly.
International adoption
International adoptions are one of the most difficult options available to families. If you wish to adopt a child from another country, you must satisfy the laws of that country and your state. You must also obtain a visa for your new child to allow them entry into the United States. This is done through the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, but if you are able to secure the visa, your child is automatically granted citizenship when you return home with them.
Stepparent adoption
A stepparent can adopt their spouse’s child if the other biological parent agrees to relinquish their parental rights. This type of adoption is also possible if the court deems the other parent unfit or if that parent has abandoned the child.