What
Is FIA's approach to adoption?
FIA believes and practices compassionate
adoption, meeting the unique needs of EVERYONE involved in the process. FIA views
adoption as a TEAM effort with all parties working towards the common goal of
doing what is best for the baby. FIA believes adoption is a LIFELONG process that
deserves serious, thoughtful consideration. In addition, FIA believes that you
as prospective adoptive parents have the right to disclosure of all medical information
that FIA has received.
Back To The Top How
do we begin the process?
Before you make a decision about whether
FIA is right for you, we feel that it is important for you to understand who we
are, how we work, what we expect from clients, and how we view the adoption process.
The workshop will give you a chance to meet our staff, ask questions, and relax
in a casual setting while considering whether adoption is right for you. Therefore,
attendance at one of our Get Acquainted Workshops (GAW) is mandatory.
Back To The Top How
long does an adoption with FIA usually take?
The time period until
you have a baby in your home averages 18 months. This time period is measured
from the time your file is complete and you become an active client with FIA.
Because a pregnant woman/couple often chooses the adoptive parents, FIA has no
control over that time period.
Back To The Top What
is the average cost of an adoption through FIA?
The cost of an
adoption averages between $19,000 and $30,000. Costs generally incurred
by the adopting couple/single are: agency fee, counseling fees, legal fees, telephone
and travel expenses, and in some cases medical expenses (unless the pregnant woman
is covered by insurance or Medicaid) and/or reasonable living expenses for the
pregnant woman as allowed by individual state laws. Adopting families can make
adopting more affordable through federal adoption tax credits and/or corporate
employee benefits. For additional information on making adoption more affordable,
please speak to your tax advisor.
Back To The Top Do
you have to be a certain age or religion to adopt through FIA?
No!
FIA looks for a serious commitment from the couple/single who wants to adopt.
We are proud of the diversity of the adopting families we can present to a pregnant
woman/couple and encourage active participation from all parties involved in the
adoption planning.
Back To The Top What
is open adoption and are all adoptions through FIA open?
Open adoption
simply means there is an ongoing direct relationship between the child and the
birth family. Most adoptions through FIA are semi-open which means that the connection
between the adoptive family and the birth family is maintained through letters
and photographs exchanged through FIA. Recently, FIA has seen an increase in requests
for a once a year visit, generally at its annual picnic.
As part of the home study process, you will discuss the level of openness
in which you are willing to participate. Although the level of contact is often
an evolving process, it is important that you are comfortable with whatever post-placement
contact you choose. We have a wide range of openness offered by our waiting adoptive
families and are happy to discuss with you the issue of post-placement contact.
In addition, many FIA families are also willing to discuss the contact they have
with their child's birth family and to answer any questions you may have.
Back To The Top Is
FIA a licensed, not-for-profit agency?
Yes, FIA is a not-for-profit
adoption agency licensed in Vermont, New Jersey and Rhode Island; a New York State
authorized agency and approved in Connecticut. We work primarily with clients
throughout the northeastern United States who are seeking to adopt.
Back To The Top How
old are the children that are placed for adoption?
While FIA is licensed
to place children of any age, it primarily places newborns.
Back To The Top What
states do the children come from?
FIA is licensed for domestic
adoption. FIA works with pregnant women/couples from all over the United States.
The majority of the pregnant women/couples we work with come from the northeastern
United States.
Back To The Top Can
I specify the gender of the child?
No! Our families often work with
a pregnant woman for months and the pregnant woman becomes very attached to a
particular adoptive family. Because gender testing has no guarantee and because
of FIA's commitment to compassionate adoption, FIA's clients are not allowed to
specify gender.
Back To The Top What
if we are working with a pregnant woman and the baby is born with medical problems?
We discuss this possibility ahead of time with everyone involved
in the adoption planning. We explain that there is no obligation on the part of
the adopting family to adopt a baby unless they are 100% committed to parenting
the child. Any money spent towards a particular adoption is NOT refundable. However,
your agency fee is good until you have a baby in your home. FIA continues to work
with you until this happens. If the adopting family decides against the placement,
FIA would continue to work with the birth family to find an appropriate adoptive
family for the baby.
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