THREE TYPES of ADOPTION
Domestic Infant Adoption
Domestic Infant Adoption: Also known as Domestic Adoption. With this type of adoption you will be matched with a birth mother while she is pregnant. Families are often present at the birth, and the child is generally placed directly from the hospital with the adoptive family. Adoption Resources Associates works with families in Massachusetts to provide adoption coordination, home studies, counseling, education, pre-adoptive, and post placement services; in some instances we provide child-placement services.
International Adoption
International Adoption: You may choose to adopt a child from an orphanage or foster care in another country. Adoption Resources Associates works in partnership with several Hague approved child-placing agencies, and can assist families with adoptions from a number of countries. We work with families in Massachusetts to provide home studies, counseling, education, and pre-adoptive and post placement services.
Special Needs Adoption
Special Needs Adoption: There are thousands of children in foster care throughout the United States waiting for families to adopt them. These children range in age from 0-15 years and may have special emotional, physical, or developmental needs. Adoption Resources Associates provides information, education, and referrals to other agencies that can assist you in this journey.
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FAQ
Q: How long does the adoption process typically take?
A: It can take as little as 6 months, although that is rare. More typically it takes 9 months to a year or longer. Time frames are affected largely by communications and processing times, especially in foreign countries.
Q: How much does adoption cost?
A: It entirely depends on where you adopt, whether you engage the services of a domestic or foreign placement agency, how far you must travel, whether you need to apply for a visa, etc. Expenses range from $12,000 at the low end to $20,000–$30,000, more typically.
Q: What is Hague Accreditation?
A: The Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption is an international treaty that establishes safeguards for children, birth families, and adoptive families in intercountry adoptions. Hague Accreditation means Adoption Resource Associates has met the strict ethical and procedural standards required to provide adoption services in Hague Convention cases.
Q: Adoption Resource Associates has an "enhanced" designation from the state. What does that mean?
A: The Enhanced Designation is awarded by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to agencies that meet additional standards for training, experience, and support services — recognizing Adoption Resource Associates' ability to guide families through more complex adoption situations.
Q: I'm in my forties. Are there age barriers to adoption?
A: Age requirements vary by country and adoption type. Adoption Resource Associates works with families of all ages and will help you identify the paths that are realistic for your situation.
Q: We're a gay couple. Can we adopt?
A: Yes. Adoption Resource Associates does not discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation, marital status, or any other factor. We work with all individuals and couples who can provide a loving, safe home for a child.
Q: Ten years ago, my husband was arrested for DUI. He was subsequently cleared, but it still appears on his record. Can you help?
A: Background check requirements vary by adoption type and country. Adoption Resource Associates has experience navigating complex situations and can help you understand your options. Please contact us to discuss your specific circumstances.
Q: Are my chances of adoption better if I adopt a foreign child?
A: Not necessarily — but international and domestic adoptions each have different timelines, costs, and processes. Adoption Resource Associates will help you understand which path is most realistic for your goals and circumstances.