We often hear people ask “Why should I adopt halfway across the United States?Surely there are children in my own area that need homes!”. While it’s true that there are children in every community that need homes, many of our clients find themselves adopting across state lines for a variety of reasons.
It’s amazing when adoption works out in close proximity to where you live, but it’s also great to be open to situations outside of driving range.
Here are a few things to think about in regards to adopting out of state…
1)The Need is Great In Some Places
Just because there are children in your area in need of families doesn’t mean there are families in another area ready to take a child born there. We often hear of situations where a family is needed suddenly. In that case, would you be willing to get on an airplane? It seems like a very small price to pay.
2) Not All State Laws Are Equal
Simply put, some states have enacted great laws that protect adoptive parents and insure ethical and honoring treatment of birth parents. Other states leave those things somewhat to chance. We work with agencies that have proven records, in states with adoption laws that maximize protection and security for everyone involved.
3) The Cost Is Minimal in the Long Run
Two years later,??you will never remember that $300 plane ticket. In fact, you’ll laugh that it was ever a factor because this gorgeous baby is yours.
Also, often times your church can help you find a place to stay while you are in a strange city awaiting ICPC* release. It can be a bit of a getaway for new parents to bond with their baby for a few days.
*What’s ICPC? It’s the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children.Simply put, it is the process that insures all state laws – both the one where the child was born and the one where you reside – are observed and both state qualifications are met. It can take as little as a few days or as long as a week.Meanwhile, you usually need to stay in the state that the child was born until you get the phone call telling you that you can take your baby home.
Don’t limit yourself geographically when it comes to adoption.Your baby may be born just across the state line!
If you’re interested in adoption but are a little overwhelmed by all the information, you’re beginning to realize why you need a consultant.
For more information call 888.833.1114 or email info@ChristianAdoptionConsultants.com.
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