OUTLINE OF STEPS IN INDEPENDENT ADOPTIONS

• Identify potential adoptee through family, word-of-mouth networks, newspaper ads, etc.
• Meet with birthmother or her representative
• Select an experienced adoption attorney to represent you
• Obtain a Pre-Placement Assessment (PPA)
• Retain separate attorney for birthmother
• Obtain copies of birthparents’ medical records
• Make pre-natal care and hospital arrangements together with birth parents
• Birth of baby (if adopting an infant)
• Sign documents providing birthmother’s legal consent to placement
• Obtain ICPC approval before bringing child to adoptive parents’ state (If child is born out of state)
• File petition with the court; child placed on a temporary basis with adoptive parents
• Attend hearing to terminate birthparents’ parental rights
• Adoption finalized by court six months later
• Obtain new birth certificate